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 PER YEAR
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 | 4 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2023 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
79% of complaints: steering — 326 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20120428
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, 20100223
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, 20240915
7% of complaints: air bags — 27 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY3% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20160401
2% of complaints: steering — 10 distinct reports on file.
1% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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, 20160401
ENGINE SURGED THEN REVVED UNCONTROLLABLLY AFTER STARTUP. CONTINUED TO SURGE AND IDLE WITH RPM ALTERNATING BETWEEN 0 - 2500 RPM THE ACCELORATOR WAS UNRESPONSIVE.*AK AFTER STARTUP THE CAR SURGED FORWARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20030602
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 AUT
Campaign 03V032000 — check if this car was fixed
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 WIL
Campaign 03V214000 — check if this car was fixed
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 B
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 1-800-831-1
Campaign 04V182000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 04V247000 — check if this car was fixed
Sticky Steering
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for steering issues (326 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (27 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V032000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V214000 (tires) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V182000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V247000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
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 79% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 BMW Z4 have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.