IllustrationAT ABOVE 80 DEGREE FAHRENHEIT TEMPERATURES, THE STEERING STICKS ON MY 2003 Z4, AND WORSENS AS THE HEAT INCREASES. IT IS VERY HARD TO CORRECT STEERING ON THE HIGHWAY AS IT TENDS TO STAY IN ONE POSITION AND WILL EVENTUALLY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM ON MANY Z4'S AND BMW DOESN'T ACKNOWLEDGE THE PROBLEM. *TR
2003 BMW Z4
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Limited comparison data
There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Z4 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
930–25K
10725–50K
9050–75K
4075–100K
22100–150K
3150K+
355 reports with mileage · 59 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Steering. Review the 342 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 31 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 13 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
5 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
Steering complaints
342 reportsEXPERIENCING VERY SIMILAR ISSUE AS DOCUMENTED UNDER NHTSA ACTION NUMBER PE10020-STEERING/STEERING COLUMN/POWER ASSIST SYSTEM BECOMING DIFFICULT TO STEER WHILE DRIVING IN EXCESS OF 50MPH. CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE ONLY RECOMMENDATION TO TAKE TO SERVICE DEPT. *TR
STEERING WHEEL STIFFENS UP AND FEELS AS IF POWER STEERING TURNS OFF. HAPPENED ONCE, DID SOME RESEARCH AND FOUND IT TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM. *TR
MY BMW Z4 2003 SUDDENLY HAS A STEERING PROBLEM WHERE THE WHEEL "STICKS" IN PLACE AND "CATCHES" BEFORE ALLOWING ME TO STEER PROPERLY. BMW DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM AND ASKED THAT I NOT DRIVE THE CAR BUT THAT I BRING IT IN FOR A LOOK. OBVIOUSLY THEY KNOW IT IS DANGEROUS FOR ME TO DRIVE!!! *TR
2003 BMW Z4 AT TIMES THE STEERING BECOMES VERY TIGHT. IT SEEMS THAT THE STEERING ON WARM DAYS BECOMES VERY TIGHT, WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS IN THE CENTER IT TAKES MORE FORCE THEN NORMAL TO TURN THE WHEEL, MAKING YOU OVER STEER THE CAR. WHEN THIS HAPPENS YOU FEEL LIKE THE CAR HAS A MIND OF IT'S OWN. *TR
2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER HAS AN INTERMITTENT STICKY STEERING ISSUE THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. THE CONDITION IS DUE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OR AFTER PARKING CAR IN HOT WEATHER. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO STEER A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT CONSTANT, SUDDEN …
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2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER HAS AN INTERMITTENT STICKY STEERING ISSUE THAT ADVERSELY AFFECTS THE ABILITY TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF VEHICLE IN TRAFFIC. THE CONDITION IS DUE TO HIGH AMBIENT TEMPERATURES OR AFTER PARKING CAR IN HOT WEATHER. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT ALLOW THE DRIVER TO STEER A STRAIGHT LINE WITHOUT CONSTANT, SUDDEN CORRECTIONS THAT REQUIRE USE OF THE ENTIRE LANE OF TRAFFIC. A BICYCLIST WAS ALMOST STRUCK BY VEHICLE WHICH PROMPTED THIS COMPLAINT. THE FAILURE HAPPENS EVERY TIME THE CAR IS DRIVEN IN WEATHER ABOVE 75 DEGREES F AND PARKED IN SUN. THE CONDITION WILL DISSIPATE WHEN CAR IS PARKED IN SHADE OR TEMPERATURES FALL FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD. BMW DEALER SERVICEWRITER WAS CONTACTED AND KNEW NOTHING ABOUT OTHER Z4 VEHICLES WITH ELECTRIC STEERING HAVING THIS ISSUE. DEALER ADVISES REPLACING THE ENTIRE STEERING UPPER COLUMN ASSEMBLY AND THE LOWER RACK AND PINION WITH AN ESTIMATE OF $4943.00. OWNER IS EXPLORING OPTIONS FOR REPAIR OR REPLACING VEHICLE WITH A NEWER MODEL. *TR
MY 2003 BMW Z4'S ELECTRIC POWER STEERING STOPS WORKING ON HOT DAYS. THE LOSS OF ASSIST GET WORSE AS SPEED INCREASES. YESTERDAY AT 97 DEGREES IT WAS VIRTUALLY IMPOSSIBLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. THE STEERING IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT AND WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL IS RELEASED, THE CAR DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER. *TR
I OWN A 2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER THAT SEEMS TO HAVE AN INTERMITTENT STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES, THE STEERING FEELS HEAVY, REQUIRING ADDED FORCE TO RETURN THE STEERING TO CENTER POSITION. THE RESULT IS JERKY STEERING AND SOME DIFFICULTY IN STEERING IN TIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. MY DEALER DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF OTHER CO…
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I OWN A 2003 BMW Z4 ROADSTER THAT SEEMS TO HAVE AN INTERMITTENT STEERING PROBLEM. WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES, THE STEERING FEELS HEAVY, REQUIRING ADDED FORCE TO RETURN THE STEERING TO CENTER POSITION. THE RESULT IS JERKY STEERING AND SOME DIFFICULTY IN STEERING IN TIGHT CIRCUMSTANCES. MY DEALER DENIES ANY KNOWLEDGE OF OTHER COMPLAINTS. FOLLOWING INTERNET RESEARCH, I KNOW OTHER ARE HAVING A SIMILAR PROBLEM. *TR
ON A HOT DAY, THE STEERING SEEMS TO STICK WHEN YOU TURN THE WHEEL. THE STEERING WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER AFTER A TURN. IT MAKES THE CAR WANT TO WANDER ALL OVER THE ROAD, PARTICULARLY ON CURVING ROADS. *TR
STICKY, NOTCHY STEERING FEELING WHEN THE CAR HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO TEMPERATURE ABOVE 80F. CAR BECOMES MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. *TR
Official recalls
404V247000 · Air Bags
May 24, 2004
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT MAY NOT OCCUR, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS. THE RECALL BEGAN JUNE 11, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
04V182000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Apr 12, 2004
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 BE RESTARTED FOR APPROXIMATELY 15 TO 20 MINUTES.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 1-800-831-1117.
03V214000 · Tires
Jun 9, 2003
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, A LOSS OF TIRE PRESSURE, OR A TIRE FAILURE, COULD OCCUR. DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE DRIVER'S REACTIONS, THIS COULD LEAD TO A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL UNSEAT THE TIRE FROM ITS RIM, INSPECT FOR ANY DAMAGE, AND THEN RESEAT THE TIRE TO ITS RIM. IF INSPECTION REVEALS THAT A FRONT TIRE HAS INCURRED DAMAGE DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS, IT WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN JULY 14, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
03V032000 · Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly
Feb 4, 2003
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE CONNECTION DETACHES, THE PROTECTION PROVIDED BY THE SAFETY BELT IS LIKELY TO BE IMPAIRED, AND SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE DRIVER AND/OR FRONT PASSENGER COULD OCCUR THAT MIGHT OTHERWISE BE MITIGATED.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT BOTH FRONT SAFETY BELT TENSIONER AND BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES, AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THESE PARTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 19, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
1PE10020 · Sticky Steering
Opened Jun 28, 2010 · Closed Jun 28, 2011
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:column; Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Steering
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Steering:column
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.
Steering:electric Power Assist System
ODI has evaluated the sticky steering condition, which included reviews of complaints and warranty claims, interviews and surveys of owners of complaint vehicles, road tests of complaint vehicles, and a review of BMW's engineering and test data.ODI found the sticky steering condition does not result in a significant steering effort, thus the impact on the driver's ability to control the vehicle does not appear to be significant.A safety-related defect trend has not been identified at this time and further use of agency resources does not appear to be warranted.Accordingly, this investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that no safety-related defect exists.The agency will monitor the issue and reserves the right to take future action if warranted by the circumstances.See the attached report for additional information.In addition, during this investigation, ODI became aware of allegations of failure or loss of electric power-assisted steering on the subject vehicles.As a result, ODI is separately reviewing this issue to determine whether additional agency action is needed.