This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
When turning at low speeds, like into parking spots, the steering will lock up, cut power to head lights, radio. This is intermittent. First started at 70K miles, now at 90K miles the steering column is pretty much dead. Also after these hiccups happen my car wont turn over when I try to start it up. I wait a couple minutes and it'll start up then. Stay away from this car or any early model BMW with electric power steering. BMW also doesn't want to own up to their lack of engineering and recall this total pile of crap...tisk..tisk.
Sticky steering when the car is warm or ambient temperature is greater than about 75 or 80F. As the temperature increases, the car is more difficult to steer smoothly. It experience a stick/slip behavior which causes continual over corrections. This has been a known issue for years. I have noticed the steering issue since buying it second hand in 2007. BMW dealership says the only way to fix it is to replace the entire steering column at my expense. I won't let anyone drive the car in warm weather.
Takata recall as I was driving back home on highway the steering was stiff or hard, it makes it hard to steer to different road or a exit but when im diving on low speed uber 20mph it see like no problems. This is really dangerous for me and my family and I see many, many people also have thee same problem.
Garbage! only way to describe the steering issue on my Z4. From tje unsealed bearing in the sterring colunn to the un- high performance engineering for tje overall steering system for the entire car. Waste of time and money putting power assiat steering on this little short car anyway... hence why its not on the M series. My grandfather's 1965 truck ran truer than this death trap. Its a shame to have a great car and screw it up with the control of the vehicle, tje most important part😤😡😠. car darts all over the road, constant corrections with public safety in jeopardy. This is a travesty in deed!!
- Woodstock, GA, USA
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The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4 roadster. While driving at any speed on hot days and when the heater was activated, the steering would become stuck without warning. When the steering wheel was turned, it would not return to the center position. The dealer (BMW of charlottesville in charlottesville, va, 434-270-8664) and the technician stated that the failure was a known issue. The technician stated that there was no recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure was not diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.
At highway speeds on warm days (80 or above) the steering does not return to the neutral position when small adjustments are made. The steering feels "sticky" or "notched" requiring the driver to re position the steering wheel to stay on the road. Tire pressures are in spec as is the alignment.
Sticky steering when it is hot weather. It is hard to steer and will not straighten up. Constant steering problem especially in hot weather. There are several complaints about this problem. Please issue a recall this is a dangerous problem.
At low speeds (under 20mph) steering is very light and smooth, no issues at all. As speed increases, the steering gets heavier (as it should) but develops a "detent" at straight center. The faster the speed, the more effort needed to overcome the detent resistance, to the point that it becomes easy to oversteer the car. This can be real scary during avoidance maneuvers and quick lane changes.
Steering gets "stuck" while driving. Feels like your in a rut. 35K on the vehicle and the BMW dealer said the steering column must be replaced for $4538.41. I read on the internet the issues with the steering column issues for cars 2003-2005. Many have the same issues and BMW had no recalls on the cars. It is a safety issue to drive the cars. I know there have been many other complaints filed with nhsta and wondering what was done with the issue. I only drive 1500 miles per year and it started late last summer and is now undriveable because of safety issues.
The contact owns a 2003 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel seized. The contact stated various warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated the failure was more pronounced during warm temperatures. The contact was a mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering open faced bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire steering assembly unit needed to be replaced the manufacturer was notified of the failure the failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Updated 06/02/17 the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance. Updated 08/29/2017
Sudden loss of power steering assistance while in motion at highway speeds. This resulted in incorrect amounts of steering pressure being applied by two different drivers & near accidents on several occasions. Date is approximate for first occurrence.
Takata recall. I'm having problems with my BMW Z4 2003 the steering wheel is getting notchy and sometimes it gets stuck in the left or right position. I replaced the steering column and it still doing the same thing. Need help.
Steering wheel sticks when the ambient temperature gets above 80 degrees. The steering wheel gets hard to turn and turn back straight. This happens when the vehicle is moving at speeds higher them 10 mph. The vehicle become unsafe to drive.
When driving the steering is sticky especially when it is hot out. It is hard to keep the car straight without constantly moving the wheel right and left and you can feel the gap in the move. You feel a skip in the move. It makes it feel like the car is going to jump to far right or left. It has been doing this the last 3 years I have owned the car. My tires are new and well balanced so it is not the tires. It did this with the old tires and now continues to do it. You are welcome to come and drive it. This happens when in motion and trying to drive straight ahead. When making a reasonable turn it is fine.
When operating vehicle after about 2 hours, normally in hot weather, the steering gets sticky and feels catchy. The vehicle is moving, at any speed when this happens. After letting sit for a couple hours it is fine. Drive for another few hours and it happens again, repeatable. Happens going straight, turning is fine.
My name is [xxx], I just recently own a 2003 BMW Z4. It is about 65K clean title. I have just notice something is wrong with the steering. I researched this on multiple forums and it appears that there are numerous examples of similar problems. Most relate to issues in hot temperatures and to speed. Problem was very noticeable last evening at 70 degrees. Here are the symptoms... at low speeds (under 20mph) steering is very light and smooth, no issues at all. As speed increases, the steering gets heavier (as it should) but develops a "detent" at straight center. The faster the speed, the more effort needed to overcome the detent resistance, to the point that it becomes easy to oversteer the car. This can be real scary during avoidance maneuvers and quick lane changes. The hot weather just makes it worse. From what I know from research, the way to fix this is do replace the whole steering column. I M sincere asking for help. I can't afford to have it change on my own when is it more like BMW' engineer problems. I hope you guys can do something about it before it get too serious. Thanks in advance. Please call or contact me through my email at [xxx] or my numbers at [xxx]. (best to call me) information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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- Belmont, CA, USA