Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
2225–50K
3650–75K
575–100K
5100–150K
0150K+
77 reports with mileage · 14 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Steering. Review the 55 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports3 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
91 reports
65,000 miles · Jun 7, 2016
Steering
THE PROBLEM OF THE STICKY STEERING OF THE Z4 IS RELATED TO THE WORM/REDUCTION GEAR MECHANISM THAT TRANSMITS THE TORQUE FROM THE ELECTRIC MOTOR TO THE STEERING SHAFT. THE CIRCULAR REDUCTION GEAR HAS A NYLON CROWN WITH TEETH. ALL THE SURROUNDING PARTS ARE METAL (STEEL OR ALUMINIUM). THE THERMAL EXPANSION OF THE NYLON IS 3X BIGG…
Read full complaint
THE PROBLEM OF THE STICKY STEERING OF THE Z4 IS RELATED TO THE WORM/REDUCTION GEAR MECHANISM THAT TRANSMITS THE TORQUE FROM THE ELECTRIC MOTOR TO THE STEERING SHAFT. THE CIRCULAR REDUCTION GEAR HAS A NYLON CROWN WITH TEETH. ALL THE SURROUNDING PARTS ARE METAL (STEEL OR ALUMINIUM). THE THERMAL EXPANSION OF THE NYLON IS 3X BIGGER THAN THE SURROUNDING PARTS. TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS EXPANSION, THERE SHOULD BE A CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE WORM GEAR AND THE REDUCTION GEAR. UNFORTUNATELY BMW AND THEIR STEERING SUPPLIER ZF NACAM CHOSE THIS CLEARANCE TOO SMALL. WHEN THE NYLON GETS WARM, THE CLEARANCE WITH THE WORM GEAR BECOMES ZERO AND THE REDUCTION GEAR IS STUCK WITH THE WORM GEAR. THE FRICTION INCREASES DRAMATICALLY AND YOU WILL THEN "FEEL" THE ENGAGEMENT OF THE INDIVIDUAL TEETH OF THE REDUCTION GEAR. THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE CAR DESIGEN AND NEEDS TO BE RECALLED.
NHTSA ODI #10872897
21,225 miles · May 25, 2016
Steering
THE STEERING IS VERY STICKY, SCARY WHEN TEMPERATURES ARE WARM. IT HAS SCARED ME TO THE POINT WHERE I WILL NOT LET MY WIFE DRIVE THE VEHICLE WHEN ITS ABOVE 70 DEGREES OUTSIDE. THE STEERING WHEEL HAS A MIND OF ITS OWN. ANY SPEED FROM 10 TO 70 MPH
NHTSA ODI #10870826
60,000 miles · May 20, 2016
Air BagsElectrical SystemEngine
SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE…
Read full complaint
SPRING IN STEERING WHEEL THAT IS PART OF AIR BAG CAUSES WARNING LIGHT. LESS THAN 50 K MILES ELECTRICAL ISSUES. HAVE HAD 2 REPLACE THE BATTERIES TWICE IN 5 YEARS. HAVING TO REPLACE THE BLOWER MOTOR TWICE, AND THE CONSOLE CONTROLS FOR AIR CONDITIONER AND HEATER. LASTLY, WHEN THE ENGINE IS WARM AND YOU COME TO A STOP LIGHT, THE ENGINE SURGES DRASTICALLY. BMW SERVICE CLAIMS THAT IT IS NORMAL. AND
NHTSA ODI #10870114
Mileage unknown · May 20, 2016
Steering
VERY STICKY STEERING, DANGEROUS IN HOT WEATHER, THIS HAPPENS AT ALL SPEEDS. I HAVE 65K MILES ON VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR OVER A YEAR TO GET THIS PROBLEM RESOLVED, NO ACCIDENT.
NHTSA ODI #10870003
70,000 miles · Dec 9, 2015
Steering
MY 2006 BMW Z4 HAS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING GETTING STUCK OR NOTCHY DURING WARMER TEMPERATURES. THE STEERING SEEMS TO GET STUCK. IT SOMETIMES REQUIRES SIGNIFICANT EFFORT TO CORRECT IT. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MANY Z4 MODELS SUFFER FROM THIS ISSUE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE ISSUED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED OR KILLED
NHTSA ODI #10809348
20,000 miles · Oct 11, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
CHANGING A HEADLIGHT BULB ON DRIVERS SIDE NOTICED FLAKING INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING HEADLAMP, INSULATION ON ALL THE WIRING ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS SAME CONDITION EXISTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD AT WORST AND A LOSS OF LIGHTI…
Read full complaint
CHANGING A HEADLIGHT BULB ON DRIVERS SIDE NOTICED FLAKING INSULATION ON WIRING HARNESS. IN THE PROCESS OF REMOVING HEADLAMP, INSULATION ON ALL THE WIRING ALMOST COMPLETELY DISINTEGRATED. I CAN ONLY ASSUME THAT THIS SAME CONDITION EXISTS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THIS WOULD SEEM TO PRESENT A FIRE HAZARD AT WORST AND A LOSS OF LIGHTING AT THE LEAST. I UNDERSTAND FROM READING VARIOUS FORUMS THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ACROSS MANY BMW MODELS. FURTHER, IT APPEARS THAT BMW USED A SOY BASED INSULATION PRODUCT ON THESE WIRES. ISN'T SOY BIODEGRADABLE? WHY WOULD THIS BE USED IN A WIRING HARNESS.
NHTSA ODI #10781296
78,115 miles · Sep 10, 2015
Steering
STEERING IS "STICKY" WHEN DRIVING STRAIGHT. FEEL A RESISTANCE WHEN MAKING A SLIGHT ADJUSTMENT THUS RESULTING IN OVERSTEERING.
NHTSA ODI #10763013
25,000 miles · Aug 20, 2015
Air Bags
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. 2006 BMW Z4. SENSOR MAT FAILED WITHOUT STRESS ON THE SEAT. IT APPEARS TO FAIL OVER TIME. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEFAULTS TO OFF CONDITION. IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE CAR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. 2005 AND EARLIER MODELS HAVE BEEN OFFERED A 10 YEAR EXTENDED WAR…
Read full complaint
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. 2006 BMW Z4. SENSOR MAT FAILED WITHOUT STRESS ON THE SEAT. IT APPEARS TO FAIL OVER TIME. PASSENGER AIRBAG DEFAULTS TO OFF CONDITION. IF AN ACCIDENT OCCURS WITH A PASSENGER IN THE CAR THE PASSENGER AIRBAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. 2005 AND EARLIER MODELS HAVE BEEN OFFERED A 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY TO COVER THIS PROBLEM WITH THE SAME PART. NO ADDITIONAL WARRANTY HAS BEEN OFFERED FOR 2006 MODELS.
NHTSA ODI #10750042
36,748 miles · Aug 10, 2015
Steering
THE STEERING ON THE BMW IS EXTREMELY JERKY AND ERRATIC. IT SEEMS TO JUMP AND DOES NOT STEER EASILY. IT'S HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD BECAUSE IT ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL TURN RATHER .QUICKLY. THE STEERING STICKS, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL JERK TO THE SIDE THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO STEER TOO. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND BMW NE…
Read full complaint
THE STEERING ON THE BMW IS EXTREMELY JERKY AND ERRATIC. IT SEEMS TO JUMP AND DOES NOT STEER EASILY. IT'S HARD TO KEEP THE CAR ON THE ROAD BECAUSE IT ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL TURN RATHER .QUICKLY. THE STEERING STICKS, AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN WILL JERK TO THE SIDE THAT YOU WERE TRYING TO STEER TOO. IT'S EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND BMW NEEDS TO HAVE A RECALL ON THESE VEHICLES AND GET THE PROBLEM FIXED BEFORE SOMEONE DIES. ONCE SOMEONE GETS KILLED, I CAN SEE A HUGE LAWSUIT AGAINST BMW BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THESE MODEL OF CARS BUT WON'T FIX THE PROBLEM. PLEASE MAKE THEM RECALL THE Z4'S THAT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND LET THEM FIX THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THANKS
NHTSA ODI #10747684
83 miles · Jul 17, 2015
Steering
WHILE DRIVING STEERING IS HARD TO TURN LOTS OF RESISTANCE THEN MOVES AND IS LOOSE . THIS COMES AND GOES HOWEVER SEAMS TO GET WORSE WITH HIGHER TEMPERATURE . OTHER TIMES IT'S JUST LOOSE OTHER TIMES FINE. MANY EXAMPLES IF YOU LOOK IT UP, MOST CALL IT STICKY STEERING. CAR HAS HAD FRONT END ALIGNMENT CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING STEERING IS HARD TO TURN LOTS OF RESISTANCE THEN MOVES AND IS LOOSE . THIS COMES AND GOES HOWEVER SEAMS TO GET WORSE WITH HIGHER TEMPERATURE . OTHER TIMES IT'S JUST LOOSE OTHER TIMES FINE. MANY EXAMPLES IF YOU LOOK IT UP, MOST CALL IT STICKY STEERING. CAR HAS HAD FRONT END ALIGNMENT CHECKED SEVERAL TIMES INCLUDING CHECKING FOR WEAR { HAVE LIFE TIME ALIGNMENT} . NO CODES. AS I SAID THIS IS A BMW PROBLEM THAT THEY HAVE CHOSEN TO IGNORE. FUN CAR TO DRIVE BUT I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT. I CAN SEE WHERE THIS PROBLEM COULD EASILY CAUSE YOU TO END UP IN AN ACCIDENT. DEFIANTLY NOT AN ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE NOW.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.
Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1
EA08001 · BMW Airbag Light Illumination
Opened Jan 4, 2008 · Closed Dec 31, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
2006 BMW Z4 Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year
Illustration