2004 BMW Z4 steering problems
378 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2004 BMW Z4 — 92% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jun 9, 2025
“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.”
filed Jun 3, 2025
“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…”
filed Feb 12, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
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…
B340414 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2021
Steering problems in other Z4 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 Z4 | 13 | 28% |
| 2009 Z4 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 Z4 | 5 | 26% |
| 2007 Z4 | 11 | 33% |
| 2006 Z4 | 55 | 60% |
| 2005 Z4 | 172 | 91% |
| 2003 Z4 | 342 | 83% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2004 BMW Z4
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.