2004 BMW Z4 recalls & problems

1 recall 411 complaints 2 investigations

1recalls
411owner complaints
1crashes reported
2fires reported
0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2004 BMW Z4 and 411 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is steering (381 reports), followed by air bags (21). NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2004 BMW Z4 recalls

Fuel System, Gasoline · NHTSA 04V182000 · Apr 12, 2004

Problem: 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.

Risk: If stalling were to occur, the driver would be unable to maintain vehicle speed or accelerate, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

13,769 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2004 BMW Z4 problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Steering 381
110
Air Bags 21
000
Electrical System 14
010
Exterior Lighting 6
000
Electronic Stability Control (esc) 3
000
Power Train 3
000
Structure 3
000
Visibility/Wiper 3
000
Service Brakes 2
000
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility 1
000
Seats 1
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic 1
000
Suspension 1
000
Unknown or Other 1
000
Vehicle Speed Control 1
100
Visibility 1
000

NHTSA investigations

Latest owner complaints

Steering · Jun 9, 2025 · PA

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 problem with this model. I am…

Steering · Jun 3, 2025 · CA

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.

Steering · Apr 9, 2025 · WA

Power steering stopped working.

Steering · Feb 12, 2025 · WA

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 should be investigated by…

Steering · Jun 4, 2024 · VA

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.

Steering · Sep 8, 2023 · CA

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, police, or insurance…

Steering · Aug 24, 2023 · CA

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 already been investigated by…

Steering · Apr 17, 2023 · IN

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!

Steering · Nov 7, 2022 · SC

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. Has the problem been reproduced…

Steering · Aug 10, 2022 · FL

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.

Steering · Jul 27, 2022 · 125,000 miles · OH

The contact owns a 2004 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving at various speeds in warm weather, the steering wheel was difficult to turn. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. The contact continued driving with caution to his destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not…

Steering · Jun 10, 2022 · IA

The the vehicle sits out in the sunlight or its warm outside (usually over 80F) the steering wheel will get very notchy and “stick” towards the center position at highway speeds. This makes minor steering corrections at highway speeds very difficult to make without unintentionally leaving your own lane possibly into another car. This is very much a safety issue! This has…

Other BMW Z4 years

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 BMW Z4 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2004 BMW Z4, the most recent one (04V182000) for fuel system, gasoline. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW Z4?

Based on 411 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are steering (381), air bags (21), electrical system (14).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2004 BMW Z4?

Owners reported 1 crash, 2 fires, 0 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.

Is NHTSA investigating the 2004 BMW Z4?

NHTSA has opened 2 defect investigations that include this vehicle, most recently PE10020: Sticky Steering.