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.
Steering becomes very "sticky" during warmer weather. This makes the car hard to drive and even harder to sell. This seems to be a very common problem by searching the internet. We don't drive the car because of this.
Steering is sticky and notchy at hidhway speeds. Unnoticeable at low speeds, but at highway speeds, it hard to keep the car in your lane. Sticks, then over turns bait, causing an over correction to return. Turning feel no hay as if it was clicking from one notch to another. I don't feel safe driving this car on the highway. The dealer has diagnosed this to be the steering column, which needs to be replace at the cost of $4600. I feel this is a very dangerous situation which needs to be addressed.
In warmer weather, the steering becomes "sticky". it seems to be more prevalent while driving on the highway. Very difficult to correct the steering while driving. It's not smooth as it should be. Very dangerous and not fun to drive! I've read a lot of complaints regarding this same issue. Just google it! sounds like a very common problem.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. While driving approximately 70 mph, the steering wheel became stuck in the middle. The contact overpowered the steering wheel to the right lane. The contact stated that the failure only occurred when the weather was really hot in the summer months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the steering column failed and needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 104,000.
Steering is unstable. Car keeps pulling to the left or to the right. It requires constant adjustments so that I could keep the car aligned, or centered on the road, especially on the highway.
- West Palm Beach, FL, USA
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The steering gets jerky in warmer weather making the car extremely difficult to handle. The steering almost appears to have gotten stuck in a notch on the column and forces the driver to put extra force into turning the wheel to correct it. The problem seems to occur when driving at highway speeds and when the temps are above 80. When driving at slower speeds this doesn't appear to happen. In doing some research online this issue appears to happen with most 2003-2005 Z4S without any resolution. The cars should be recalled and fixed.
While driving at highway speeds the steering becomes stiff and sticky causing decreased responsiveness on control of the vehicle. As a result it takes extra effort on traveling in a straight line. Once the sticking is released could cause the driver to overcompensate the steering in one direction or another. I feel this is a major safety concern that needs immediate attention.
In hot weather, the car steering gets "sticky" or hard to make smooth little adjustments when travelling on highways going straight. It's mostly noticeable when travelling on 55mph or higher roads, but somewhat in town too. It makes travelling in the middle of your own lane harder, more likely to wander before you increase your effort on the steering wheel. When in cold weather, the electric power steering is excellent and very easy to keep the car exactly on track with ease. When I read the reports on the BMW club sites and forums, I find that this a very common problem with BMW Z4's of the 2003 to later versions. Please institute a recall before people get hurt of killed, thanks.
In hot temperatures or after driving continuous for awhile, the steering becomes hard to steer like their is a hitch when turning the wheel or a force working against you. Car only has 40000 miles and was serviced every 5000 miles. Took to local BMW dealer and was told it was the rack with repair being $1500. Was not told this was under investigation for a recall. In motion when happens and appears to be dangerous. Has happened numerous times
The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. While driving 25 mph, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
The steering wheel seems to have a catch in it when driving and you turn the steering wheel either right or left. When you driving and are going from lane to lane or around a curve it will stick. This could cause the driver to jerk the steering wheel and cause the car to go off the road or into the path of another vehicle.looked the problem up on the BMW form and there were over 120 other steering complaints on this same year and model of car. There should be a recall to repair this problem before there is a bad accident.
Steering sticks and requires force to alter steering path. This problem is most noticeable in warmer conditions. I purchased my Z4 with only 64,000 miles from a private seller. Issue with steering was not disclosed and was not noticed during test drive. However, I have since researched this problem on line and have learned that this problem is well known and an issued for many BMW Z4 owners prior to 2006. This a huge safety concern for me, and should be for BMW as well. I am fairly certain that I am not the first person to report this issue but to my knowledge, not much has been done to address the issue. Please advise as to what has been done to date to correct this issue, and what are my options to get this resolved for me personally. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The steering is very sticky and binds up frequently, especially in warm weather. It can be difficult to control in low and high speeds and could put you in another lane and could cause an accident. This is a known manufacturing defect and the only resolution is to change the whole steering column in which BMW does not want to pay for. This is a highway safely issue and should be fixed by doing a recall. Most Z4S have this problem. I have contacted BMW about this issue. They want me to pay for the replacement when this should have been recalled.
The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. While attempting to reverse the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Sticky steering during warm weather. Can either stick where you have to force it to turn and follow highway road or becomes sloppy and weaves from side to side within lane. Neither should be happening with this expensive car. This is a known problem with many complaints, BMW needs to step up and take responsibility before deaths and damage occur. This problem started in 2011, intermittent problem, granted there are more miles on this car and five years, the problem has not gone anywhere, it's still here.recall these cars
When driving in warm weather, the steering becomes stiff. When driving down the highway the wheel sticks in the center. You have to force the wheel to turn. Then after you turn the wheel you have to force the wheel back to center, having to be careful not to over correct and entering the lane next you. I am understanding that many other BMW consumers are having the same issue. It is very dangerous.
When the weather gets warm around at least 80's, the steering becomes very sticky. It can be difficult to control in low and high speeds and can definitely cause an accident. This is a known manufacturing defect and the only fix is to change the whole steering column in which BMW does not want to pay for. This is a highway safely issue and should be fixed by doing a recall. A lot of Z4 has these problem it just in different severity. I have contacted BMW several times about this issue. They want me to pay for the replacement when this should have been recalled.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hickory, NC, USA