VehicleVerdict

2004 BMW Z4 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 443 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 44.3 times the median Z4 year — the 2004 model ranks #2 of 20 Z4 years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

The trouble concentrates in one system: steering issues account for 86% of all reports (381 of 443), far ahead of airbags at 21.

443

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Z4 years?

Z4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted460 complaints2002: 6 complaints2003: 460 complaints2004: 443 complaints2005: 204 complaints2006: 107 complaints2007: 42 complaints2008: 27 complaints2009: 26 complaints2010: 10 complaints2011: 57 complaints2012: 7 complaints2013: 12 complaints2014: 10 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 5 complaints2019: 7 complaints2020: 8 complaints2021: 0 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 0 complaints
Z4 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Z4 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 BMW Z4 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering38186%
Airbags215%
Electrical System174%
Lighting61%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Body & Structure31%
Transmission31%
Brakes31%
Other20%
Seats10%
Suspension10%
Speed Control10%

Does the 2004 BMW Z4 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

04V182000Fuel SystemApril 12, 2004 · 13,769 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE STEERING IS THE ONLY PROBLEM BUT YOUR WEB SITE INSISTS ON MY SELECTING AT LEAST 3 AFFECTED PARTS. IN ANY CASE, THE STEERING RECENTLY BECAME JERKY AND NOTCHY WHILE DRIVING. AFTER SEVERAL DAYS OF THIS, I TOOK IT MY LOCAL FOREIGN CAR REPAIR SPECIALIST AND THEY DIAGNOSED A PROBLEM WITH THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · July 22, 2013 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW Z4. AFTER THE PASSENGER DOOR WAS OPENED, THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED INDEPENDENTLY THE FAILURE OCCURRED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT A DIAGNOSIS WAS NOT DISCLOSED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 10, 2017

“WATER GETS INTO THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT THROUGH THE RUBBER GROMMET THAT CARRIES THE MAIN BATTERY CABLE FROM THE TRUNK TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR. THE BATTERY COMPARTMENT IS A WELL THAT ALSO HOUSES THE CAR STEREO AMPLIFIER. AMPLIFIER WAS SITTING IN ABOUT 2 INCHES OF WATER CAUSING THE CIRCUIT BOARD TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · September 29, 2011 · fire

“MY BMW Z4 WHICH IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY HAS DEFECTIVE HEADLIGHTS AND THE DEALER REFUSES TO REPAIR THEM. BMW USED AN INFERIOR TYPE OF PLASTIC WHICH IS CLOUDING OVER AND PREVENTING THE HEADLIGHTS FROM WORKING CORRECTLY. PLEASE RECALL THESE VEHICLES SO THAT BMW WILL REPAIR THE LIGHTS AND MAKE IT SAFE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · March 15, 2008

“GM5 MODULE FAIL. WHEN THE GM5 MODULE FAULS WINDSHIELD WIPERS WON'T WORK (THIS COULD BE A BIG PROBLEM IF IT RAINS!), INTERIOR LIGHTS WON'T WORK, WINDOWS WON'T GO UP OR DOWN, NO ALARM FUNCTIONS AND OF COURSE NO AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCK CONTROL (DOORS CAN MANUALLY BE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED AS LONG AS THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 12, 2019

2004 BMW Z4 — common questions

Is the 2004 BMW Z4 reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 443 complaints put the 2004 model at #2 of 20 Z4 years. It is one of the Z4 years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Z4 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (381 complaints), airbags (21 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints).

Does the 2004 BMW Z4 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 BMW Z4. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 BMW Z4 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which BMW Z4 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Z4 years to avoid are 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2011, 2007. The cleanest record among Z4 years belongs to 2023.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.