2005 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
- 191
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
None on file
Opened by NHTSA
92% of complaints
Complaints per year
2005: 191 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 4 |
| 2003 | 414 |
| 2004 | 411 |
| 2005 | 191 |
| 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
92% · 175 reportsMost commonly citing electric power assist system and column.
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, 2020-02-22
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, 2011-07-26
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, 2025-04-25
Air bags
5% · 10 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My driver side seatbelt sensor suddenly would randomly detect no seatbelt despite being buckled and then the steering wheel airbag deployed into me while I was reversing the car under 2mph.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-13
Also filed under Seat belts
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, 2017-11-30
The passenger air bag suddenly deployed while the car was parked in my driveway, braking the dashboard and the windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-05-13
Electrical system
3% · 6 reportsSuspension
2% · 3 reportsEngine
2% · 3 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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▮
2005Complaint volume 191 complaints filed for this model year.
-
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
2005 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 175 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 10 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 6 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
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 92% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2005 BMW Z4 have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.