2005 BMW Z4

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 BMW Z4
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:56:55.487Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2005: 190 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	4
2021	0
2022	1
2023	0

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STEERING 89%

89% of complaints: steering — 170 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING CAUSING THE CAR TO BE VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. WHEN READING KNOWN ISSUES REGARDING THE BMW Z4, THIS APPEARS TO BE A VERY COMMON SAFETY PROBLEM.

NHTSA ODI report, 20200222

AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, MY 2005 BMW EXHIBITS STIFF AND ERRATIC STEERING AS FOLLOWS: STEERING WHEEL IS VERY TIGHT, AND DOES NOT TURN UNLESS INORDINATE PRESSURE IS APPLIED. THIS MAKES STEERING VERY STRANGE AND QUICK MOVEMENT IS DIFFICULT TO ENACT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110726

While moving, especially in warm weather, the steering will stick. This requires excessive force to move the steering wheel which results in a "jump" when the steering moves (breaks loose).

NHTSA ODI report, 20250425

AIR BAGS 5%

5% of complaints: air bags — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2005 BMW Z4. WHILE THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND WAS DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED AND CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF THE PRECEDING VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20171130

The passenger air bag suddenly deployed while the car was parked in my driveway, braking the dashboard and the windshield.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240513

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080829

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 3%

3% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

ON AUGUST 7, 2007 I TOOK MY CAR TO STERLING BMW IN NEWPORT BEACH, CA BECAUSE I NOTICED THE AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHTS WERE ON ALONG WITH OTHER ELECTRICAL ISSUES.

NHTSA ODI report, 20080829

SUSPENSION 2%

2% of complaints: suspension — 3 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 2%

2% of complaints: engine — 3 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

No recalls on file for this model year.

▮ 2005 — complaint volume: 190

I 20080104 — EA (closed 20081231)

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

I 20100628 — PE (closed 20110628)

Sticky Steering

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2005 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection

Test/inspect for steering issues (170 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for air bags issues (9 reports on file for this year).
Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2007 ▲ 2011 ▲ 2006

WORST YEARS

■ 2003 ■ 2004 ▲ 2006

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2005 BMW Z4 reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 BMW Z4 is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 BMW Z4?

The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 89% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 BMW Z4 have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.