2002 BMW Z3
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
Only 6 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 30 |
| 1997 | 47 |
| 1998 | 30 |
| 1999 | 39 |
| 2000 | 34 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2003 | 2 |
| 2004 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Only 6 complaints on file for this model year -- too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
2 of 6 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
2002BMW Z3. THE ABS/DSC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40MPH. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ENGAGES AND ABRUPTLY FORCES THE CAR TO PULL HARD RIGHT. THE ABS LIGHTS ON THE DISPLAY PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190928
TWO TIMES WE HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DISENGAGE THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. WE HAVE HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. WE THOUGHT THAT THE FIRST TIME WAS A MISTAKE, THEN IT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151221
2 of 6 total reports mention: air bags.
Show complaint excerpts
PASSENGER AIR BAG FAILURE. PRESSURE SWITCH IN PASSENGER SEAT FAILED. HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20081007
1 of 6 total reports mentions: service brakes.
Show complaint excerpts
2002BMW Z3. THE ABS/DSC SYSTEM MALFUNCTIONS AT SPEEDS ABOVE 40MPH. THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE ENGAGES AND ABRUPTLY FORCES THE CAR TO PULL HARD RIGHT. THE ABS LIGHTS ON THE DISPLAY PANEL.
NHTSA ODI report, 20190928
1 of 6 total reports mentions: seat belts.
Show complaint excerpts
SEEMS TO BE A KNOWN PROBLEM - SEAT-BELT GUIDE HAS BROKEN AS IT IS WARPED PLASTIC AND STOPPING SHORT CAN BREAK IT. IN AN ACCIDENT SEAT BELT COULD SLIP UP, OR IMPACT NECK AS IT IS NOT HELD INTO PLACE NEAR THE SEAT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20160809
1 of 6 total reports mentions: exterior lighting.
SAFETY TIMELINE
CERTAIN PRO-A MOTORS CORNER LAMPS, TURN SIGNALS, AND HEADLIGHTS SOLD AS REPLACEMENT LAMPS FOR USE ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. SOME COMBINATION LAMPS THAT ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH AMBER S
Remedy: PRO-A MOTORS WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE THE LAMPS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 3, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT PRO-A MOTORS AT 323-838-2988.
Campaign 06E026000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2002 BMW Z3 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (2 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (1 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 06E026000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2002 BMW Z3 reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW Z3?
The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2002 BMW Z3 have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.