2006 BMW Z4

▲ Better than typical

2006 BMW Z4
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:56:35.398Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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

2006: 91 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 60%

60% of complaints: steering — 55 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE STEERING PULLED TO THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20110331

The electronic steering has failed several times while driving. This makes it very difficult to maintain a lane and avoid other vehicles. This problem continues intermittently. Thousands of Z4 owners have reported the same issue in online forums.

NHTSA ODI report, 20240320

In hot weather, the steering binds, making keeping the car in the correct lane extremely difficult. The car will dart from one side to the other. The car will be nearly impossible to keep in the correct lane.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231020

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.

FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT USED THE KEYLESS ENTRY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR AND THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20140113

ALL SERVICE AND REPAIRS OF THIS CPO PERFORMED BY DEALERSHIP. FIRE CAUSED TOTAL LOSS OF VEHICLE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION MELTING INTERIOR AND NEARLY BURNING DRIVER-DAMAGE MOST SEVERE ON DRIVER'S SIDE OF VEHICLE AND EXTENDS TO THE CAR EXTERIOR.

NHTSA ODI report, 20130118

AIR BAGS 14%

14% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 5%

5% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 4%

4% of complaints: exterior lighting — 4 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

I 20080104 — EA (closed 20081231)

BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION

R 20190530 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Campaign 19V273000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220722 — engine and engine cooling

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan...

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge.

Campaign 22V119000 — check if this car was fixed