2004 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
- 411
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
93% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 411 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
93% · 381 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and column.
Show complaint excerpts
For about the last five thousand miles, my steering has developed the dangerous steering condition( Described by literally hundreds of owners in blogs and various postings-just do a search for "Z4 steering problem") that exists in 2003-2005 BMW Z4...
NHTSA ODI report, 2015-12-12
The steering is the only problem but your web site insists on my selecting at least 3 affected parts. In any case, the steering recently became jerky and notchy while driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-08-10
Also filed under Vehicle speed control
The electric steering gets sticky when very often. It feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-12
Air bags
5% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger and occupant classification.
Electrical system
3% · 14 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Water gets into the battery compartment through the rubber grommet that carries the main battery cable from the trunk to the front of the car. The battery compartment is a well that also houses the car stereo amplifier.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-10-03
26000 miles on car. Always in garage. Never driven in winter and use a battery tender during winter.replaced 2 batteries this summer recently after not driving it for about 2-3 weeks.
NHTSA ODI report, 2017-11-03
Exterior lighting
1% · 6 reportsVisibility/wiper
1% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
▮
2004Complaint volume 411 complaints filed for this model year.
-
R
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…
-
I
2008-01-04Engineering analysisClosed 2008-12-31 BMW airbag light illumination
-
I
2010-06-28Preliminary evaluationClosed 2011-06-28 Sticky Steering
Buy-smart checklist
2004 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 381 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 14 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V182000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 BMW Z4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 BMW Z4 is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW Z4?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 93% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 BMW Z4 have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.