2003 BMW Z4
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
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.
- Complaints
- 414
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2003
Opened by NHTSA
83% of complaints
Complaints per year
2003: 414 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 414 |
| 2004 | 411 |
| 2005 | 190 |
| 2006 | 91 |
| 2007 | 33 |
| 2008 | 19 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2010 | 10 |
| 2011 | 46 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2016 | 4 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 1 |
| 2026 | 0 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
83% · 344 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and hydraulic power assist system.
Show complaint excerpts
On this particular occasion, the electric steering binds or gets stuck while in center position and makes it difficult or impairs the ability to change lanes on the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-04-28
I own a 2003 BMW Z4 during warm weather at highway speeds the steering becomes stuck on center. In July of 09 I attempted to swerve to avoid an obstacle on the highway and had the yank the wheel so hard to get it out of the "Stuck on center" Issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2010-02-23
When outside temp is 80degrees or higher it becomes difficult to maintain the vehicle in the correct driving lane due to a stickyness in the steering wheel. I will not allow anyone to drive the vehicle when the temp is over 80 degrees ...
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-09-15
Air bags
8% · 32 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and sensor/control module.
Electrical system
3% · 14 reportsMost commonly citing wiring.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, various warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle began to accelerate independently without the accelerator pedal being depressed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2016-04-01
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
Engine and engine cooling
3% · 11 reportsMost commonly citing engine.
Structure
2% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing body and frame and members.
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2003Complaint volume 414 complaints filed for this model year.
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2003-03-19Seat belts03V032000 On certain passenger vehicles, the connection of the safety belt buckle to the steel rope of the tensioner does not meet BMW specifications. In severe frontal crashes, this connection can detach.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect both front safety belt tensioner and buckle assemblies, and if necessary, replace these parts. Owner notification began March 19, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an…
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2003-07-14Tires03V214000 On certain vehicles equipped with 18" Tires, it is possible that the tire has been damaged during the mounting process to the rim.
Remedy: Dealers will unseat the tire from its rim, inspect for any damage, and then reseat the tire to its rim. If inspection reveals that a front tire has incurred damage during the mounting process, it…
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2004-05-11Fuel system, gasoline04V182000 On certain passenger vehicles, under certain environmental conditions, a vapor lock in the fuel pump could occur causing the engine to stall. If this were to happen, the engine would not be able to…
Remedy: Dealers will install a resistor in the electrical line powering the fuel pump in order to prevent an occurrence of vapor lock. The recall began May 11, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at…
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2004-06-11Air bags04V247000 On certain passenger vehicles, incompatible electronic air bag system processors may have been installed.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the air bag system processors. The recall began June 11, 2004. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
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I
2010-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-06-28 Sticky Steering
Buy-smart checklist
2003 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 344 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 03V032000 · Seat belts
- Recall 03V214000 · Tires
- Recall 04V182000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 04V247000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2003 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 BMW Z4 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2003 BMW Z4?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 83% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2003 BMW Z4 have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.