2008 BMW Z4
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 19 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 19
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2008
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2008: 19 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
Only 19 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Air bags
13 of 19 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
A failed front passenger air bag seat sensor mat causes the air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag 'on-off' lamp to be illuminated simultaneously.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-04-24
Steering
5 of 19 total reports mention: steering.
Show complaint excerpts
After starting up the car (But during ignition, the key slipped in my fingers causing a missed start, I therefore had to turn the key again to get engine to turn over.) and driving from my driveway, there was a complete failure of the steering...
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-18
Also filed under Electrical system
Steering failure with dtc failure and brake yellow warning lights. Must fight with car to drive straight wants to veer to the left with shaky steering.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-26
Electrical system
2 of 19 total reports mention: electrical system.
Engine and engine cooling
2 of 19 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing crankcase (pcv).
Wheels
1 of 19 total reports mentions: wheels.
Show complaint excerpts
All four rims are bent. The vehicle has never been taken off-road, nor has the vehicle encountered major potholes. A logical explanation for this occurrence is shoddy manufacturing. Bent rims potentially cause hazardous driving conditions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2011-09-11
Safety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2018-06-18Engine and engine cooling17V683000 BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018.
-
R
2022-07-22Engine and engine cooling22V119000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2008 BMW Z4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 13 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 17V683000 · Engine and engine cooling
- Recall 22V119000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2008 BMW Z4 reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2008 BMW Z4?
- The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 68% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2008 BMW Z4 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.