Model year

2002 BMW Z4

Body and fuel not decoded, built in United States. Owner complaints on file from Oct 1, 2010 to Jan 19, 2017.

Recall campaigns covering this model year0No recall campaign lists this model year
Owner complaints44.0 times the median 2002 vehicle
Severity index0.0Crash, fire, injury or death per 100
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2002 BMW Z4 peaked in 2010, with 1 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.250.50.7512010120122014201620182020202220242026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

75% of complaints about the 2002 BMW Z4 name steering

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Steering
3
Stability and traction control
1
Powertrain
1
Wheels
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

No recall campaign lists the 2002 BMW Z4

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2002 BMW Z4

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

4 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Jan 19, 2017Failure May 1, 201463,000 milesWaynesboro, PASteering

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE POWER STEERING BECAME DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING WAS DEFECTIVE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000.

    NHTSA complaint 10946361
  2. Filed Sep 28, 2014Failure Sep 27, 201490,000 milesUnion City, CASteering

    ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LIGHT CAME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY LOST POWER ASSISTED ABILITY. STEERING WHEEL WAS DIFFICULT, BACK TO THE OLD MANUAL DAYS.. NEVER THOUGHT TO ASK WHY..BUT VEHICLE ALWAYS HAD A DETENT QUIRK SINCE 2003..JUST THOUGHT IT TYPICAL FOR HOW A SPORTS CAR WAS DESIGNED. AFTER CHECKING OTHERS SIMILAR PROBLEMS I GUESS I'VE BEEN MISLED INTO BELIEVING THAT WAS TYPICAL AFTER ALL THIS TIME.TAKING IT TO THE DEALER IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO SERVICE PROBLEM. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM LIKE THIS DETENT THING GET IT CHECKED OUT BEFORE A BAD SITUATION REALLY HAPPENS. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10639592
  3. Filed Jun 19, 2013Failure Mar 16, 20055,000 milesTaichung City, CAElectronic stability control (esc), Power train, Wheels

    BUT BOUGHT WITH LESS THAN 12,500 MILES, THEY FOUND TURNED UNSTABLE SITUATION, HAS BEEN UNABLE TO FIND WHAT THE REASON, AT TIMES ALMOST A MAJOR ACCIDENT WHEN DRIVING, THE TIRE DOES NOT FEEL STICKY, BUT ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR IS ALL OVER THE PLACE (LIKE A DRUNK DRIVER), THE STEERING FEELS VERY LOOSE, NOT TOO SENSITIVE. IF I DO ANYTHING MORE THAN A SLIGHT ROTATION, DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL SYSTEM HAS BEEN STARTED, IF THE CURVE WENT TO THE RIGHT, I HAD TO "JERK" TO GO STRAIGHT TO RECTIFY THE SAME, IF IT WENT. WHEN A STRAIGHT ROAD, IT WILL FEEL VERY STICKY, MOVING WHEELS. THIS IS VERY SCARY, BECAUSE IT CAN NOT BE DIVERTED AT ANY TIME, I WILL LEAVE THE ROAD AND DOWN MILES OF CANYON CREEK. THIS SITUATION WILL NOT OCCUR AT LOW SPEEDS. UNFORTUNATELY, I HAVE A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH MY 2003 BMW Z4 STEERING WHEEL. THIS IS COMPLETELY UNSTABLE. FOR EXAMPLE: 1) TO MAINTAIN PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT. IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTMENT, SO THAT I CAN KEEP THE CAR ALIGNED OR CENTER. 2) I MET A SUDDEN TWITCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WHEN THE ROAD CONTEMPT IMBALANCES. I CAN NEVER PREDICT THE ROAD THE CAR PULLED ME. I STRUGGLED FOR MANY CENTERS TO STOP AT ANY RED LIGHTS KEEP TURNING. 3) SOMETIMES, THE STEERING FEELS LIKE BEING STUCK. 4) I BELIEVE THAT IF ELDERLY PEOPLE TRYING TO DRIVE THIS CAR, SUCH A PROBLEM, THERE WILL BE A CATASTROPHIC COLLAPSE. THIS IS MAINLY BECAUSE THE DRIVER MUST BE A LOT OF ATTENTION TO KEEP THE CAR CENTERED FACT. OTHERWISE, ANY SECOND, YOU MIGHT FIND YOURSELF SOMEWHERE OFF THE ROAD, OR UNDER A TRUCK. 5) I'VE BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET, MANY Z4 OWNERS HAVE ENCOUNTERED SIMILAR PROBLEMS, I DO. *TR

    NHTSA complaint 10520603
  4. Filed Oct 1, 2010Failure May 4, 201056,000 milesFriendswood, TXSteering

    TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW Z4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY HARD TO HANDLE WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A TURN CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO SHIFT INTO THE NEXT LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE POWER STEERING ELECTRONIC SENSOR FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER ADVISED HER THAT THEY WERE NOT AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WILL BE TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 56,419.

    NHTSA complaint 10358581
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

NHTSA has not opened an investigation on this model year

Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

23 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • B510819 Jan 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
  • B662419 Sep 1, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
  • B650709 Jun 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
  • B650709 May 1, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    NAVIGATION SYSTEM: REPORTING MISSING OR INCORRECT ROAD MAP DATA: The route guidance is inaccurate and therefore irritating to the customer; or it is not possible to locate certain addresses, for instance:
  • SIB-63-14-10 Nov 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: THE REAR LAMP IS NOT WATER TIGHT DUE TO CRACKS DUE TO STRESS. WATER MAY ENTER THE LAMP. *RM
  • SIB-33-01-02 Jul 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: A GRINDING NOISE IS COMING FROM THE DIFFERENTIAL DURING SLOW CORNERING. WHEN TURNING A SLIP/STICK EFFECT IS CREATED ON THE LINING AND STEEL DISCS INCORPORATED IN THE DIFFERENTIAL CLUTCH CAUSES A GRINDING NOISE. *RM
  • SIB-23-01-08 Apr 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL SUPPORT PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED REGARDING TRANSMISSION CONCERNS. *RM
  • SI B12 12 10 Jun 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: WHEN AT LOWER SPEEDS OR STOPPING THE ENGINE IDLE DIPS TOO LOW BECAUSE OF A SOFTWARE PROBLEM. *RM
  • SI B12 55 06 Jan 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: THERE MAY BE EXCESSIVE CRANKING BEFORE THE VEHICLE STARTS. THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT MAY ALSO BE ON WITH A LACK OF ENGINE POWER. *RM
  • SIB-51-42-10 Nov 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT DUE TO A DAMAGED SEAL ON REAR VENTS. *RM
  • SIB-63-02-01 Aug 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING AND REPLACING INCANDESCENT AND HALOGEN LIGHT BULBS UNDER WARRANTY. *RM
  • SIB-11-08-03 Jul 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: SIX DIFFERENT MODELS EQUIPPED WITH THE M54 ENGINE COULD HAVE VALVE COVERS BREAK IN COLD WEATHER AND RUIN THE ENGINE. THIS IS DUE TO MOISTURE ACCUMULATION. *RM
  • SIB-28-02-08 Jun 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS IS BEING USED ON MANY MODELS TO DETERMINE THE ROOT CAUSE OF DOUBLE-CLUTCH TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. *RM
  • SIB-32-04-07 Jun 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: A NEW TECHNICAL PROCESS HAS BEEN CREATED FOR BMW TO IDENTIFY CAUSES OF STEERING COMPLAINTS WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MODELS. *RM
  • SIB-16-02-09 Dec 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW VEHICLES: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR REPAIRS. WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO REPLACE THE RIGHT OR THE LEFT SIDE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR DUE TO A FAILURE, THE ENTIRE PUMP AND HOUSING OR DELIVERY UNIT (SUCTION JET ASSEMBLY) DO NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. IN SOME CASES…
  • SIB-12-24-07 Nov 1, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW VEHICLE: S54-CATALYST PROTECTION MODE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS LOW ON FUEL. COMPLAINTS THAT THE VEHICLE HAS NO POWER DURING HEAVY ACCELERATION. FUEL RESERVE LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED AND THE FUEL LEVEL, WHEN MEASURED WITH THE SERVICE TESTER, IS BELOW 10 LITER…
  • SIB-12-20-07 Nov 1, 2007 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW VEHICLE: M54/M56-MIXTURE TOO LEAN-FAULT CODES 2882/2883 ARE STORED IN THE DME. COMPLAINTS THAT SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THE FAULT CODES 2882/2883-FUEL TRIM, MIXTURE TOO LEAN ARE STORED IN THE DME. POSSIBLE CAUSES MAY INCLUDE-INCORRE…
  • SI-B-34-11-08 Aug 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW VEHICLES: TEILECLEARING FOR DYNAMIC STABILITY CONTROL (DSC). A PART REPLACEMENT AUTHORIZATION MUST BE OBTAINED BY SUBMITTING A TC CASE IN PUMA BEFORE ANY OF THE FOLLOWING DSC COMPONENTS ARE REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE VEHICLES LISTED IN THE MODEL …
  • SI-B72-02-09 Aug 1, 2009 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW: BELT TENSIONER HARNESSES. A REPAIR HARNESS FOR THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT TENSIONERS AT THE BELT RETRACTORS MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY INSTALLED. *PE
  • SIB-65-75-06 Aug 1, 2011 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    BMW SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THE AIRBAG WARNING LAMP (AWL) IS ILLUMINATED, TOGETHER WITH THE PASSENGER AIRBAG STATUS LAMP (POL). THE PROBLEM MAY BE INTERMITTENT. MICROCRACKS IN THE OC3 SEAT MAT. *PE UPDATED 9/30/1…
  • SI B12-55-06 Jul 1, 2010 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    N54-DIAGNOSIS FOR DME FC 29DC/2FBF FOR MODELS E90, E92 PRODUCED FROM 06/06 AND E93, E60, E61 PRODUCED FROM 03/07. *PE UPDATED 7/8/09. *PE MODELS E82, E88 PRODUCED FROM START 2000 AND E71 PRODUCED FROM START 2000. UPDATED 7/21/10. *PE MODE…
  • 121104 Feb 1, 2004 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    RETROFIT THE POWER SUPPLY CABLE FOR THE THERMAL OIL LEVEL SENSOR. *EH
  • 240303 Oct 1, 2006 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    HARSH 3-2 AND 2-1 DOWNSHIFTS (WITH CLUNK NOISE) WHEN COMING TO A STOP. *TT UPDATED. *KB
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.