2004 Bmw Z4 problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Steering (358) · Air Bags (14) · Steering:electric Power Assist System (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Bmw Z4 model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
🛣️ Complaints by mileage
372 NHTSA complaints that reported an odometer reading.
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (42)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Electrical System 2024-01-16 · B510819 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
Electrical System 2024-01-11 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle ã¢ââdischarged batteryã¢ââ complaints.
Equipment:electrical 2022-09-01 · B662419 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Steering: Steering Wheel/Handle Bar 2021-04-01 · B340414 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
diagnosis of compound brake system complaints in m vehicles: 1. visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees f) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 2020-10-01 · B611305 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
discharged battery energy diagnosis must be performed: the electrical system of bmw vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. this has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. this document covers important information for the dealer on how to
Power Train 2020-04-01 · B110208 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
power reduction fc2a82 intake vanos and/or fc2 a87 exhaust vanos camshaft fault: the "service engine soon" (mil) lamp is illuminated and engine power reduction is perceived. this situation can occur after driving for some time with the engine at full operating temperature. if the ignition is cycled
Showing the 6 most recent of 42 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-06-09 · Steering“twice this month, while operating the vehicle, the power steering completely stopped functioning, causing the vehicle to be almost uncontrollable. no prior warning light. when i purchased the vehicle in 2018, the same problem occurred and the dealer replaced the steering column under warranty. in researching online i find that this is a common prob…”
2025-06-03 · Steering“power steering wheel went out of power during a trip at about 70mph. yellow light at the dashboard went on then so, car became imposible to drive or so. …”
2025-04-09 · Steering“power steering stopped working.…”
2025-02-12 · Steering“the electric steering gets sticky when very often. it feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. this failure seems to be quite common and is well known. it seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric steering column. i believe it s…”
2024-06-04 · Steering“when driving the steering is loose or sticky. the problem gets worse when the weather is warm. sometimes it’s hard to keep the car driving in a straight path. this is scary and dangerous. his occurs whenever the car is driven. other z4 drivers are having the same problem. …”
2023-09-08 · Steering“the steering sticks, in warmer weather, at freeway speeds. continuously trying to unstick the steering wheel, with the possibility of overcorrecting, at freeway speeds, could present a safety hazard. yes, the alignment company recognized the problem during their post-alignment test drive. the vehicle has not been inspected by "manufacturer, polic…”
2023-08-24 · Steering“the electric steering gets sticky when hot. it feels locked in its position and requires extra force to unstick, once its past the sticking point it over corrects and causes the vehicle to swerve. this failure seems to be quite common and is well known. it seems to be a manufacturing defect inside the electric steering column. i believe it has …”
2023-04-17 · Steering“the steering is sticky, like the steering system is locking up. it isn't smooth but instead very jerky, and requires serious effort to manage. it is becoming dangerous and is very unsafe. i have seen a lot of complaints on the internet and can not believe this isn't a recall item!…”
2022-11-07 · Steering“component or system failed: steering column. it is available for inspection. safety or the safety of others put at risk: when driving the steering column will lock or stick into place until it is forced back into a normal driving position. this consistently occurs when driving on a corner or making slight steering adjustments on a straight road. ha…”
2022-08-10 · Steering“steering is "sticky" with a feel of detents in the steering instead of expected smooth engagement. at highway speeds this is concerning and feels unsafe. difficult or impossible to steer smoothly. …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.