NHTSA vehicle safety data

2006 BMW Z4 Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

The 2006 BMW Z4 has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 91 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2006 BMW Z4, plus NCAP crash-test ratings. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2006 BMW Z4 owner complaints

Owners have filed 91 complaints with NHTSA about the 2006 BMW Z4, describing incidents dated September 3, 2007 to January 10, 2024.

Most-cited components

Steering 55 complaints
Air Bags 14 complaints
Electrical System 13 complaints
Engine 9 complaints
Exterior Lighting 4 complaints
Seats 3 complaints

Of the 91 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 3 a fire; across all 91 complaints, owners report 1 injury and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11578535 · Filed March 20, 2024
The electronic steering has failed several times while driving. This makes it very difficult to maintain a lane and avoid other vehicles. This problem continues intermittently. Thousands of Z4 owners have reported the same issue in online forums.
ODI #11551080 · Filed October 20, 2023
In hot weather, the steering binds, making keeping the car in the correct lane extremely difficult. The car will dart from one side to the other. The car will be nearly impossible to keep in the correct lane.
ODI #11542405 · Filed September 3, 2023
I have just found out that my 2006 BMW Z4 Convertible has serious wiring issues. The wires for example on my front headlights the insulation is falling off the and leaving bare wires. I am very concerned this could be a fire safety issue that could result in bare electrical wires shorting together…

Read all 91 complaints

Owner-reported

2006 BMW Z4 mileage at failure

75 of the 91 complaints on file for the 2006 BMW Z4 give the vehicle's mileage when the problem happened.

Mileage at failure by component, from owners' complaints to NHTSA
Component	Median	Middle half	Based on
Steering	Median 50,000 miles	Middle half 35,000–65,000 miles	Based on 47 complaints

A component's median is its 50th percentile, and its middle half runs from its 25th to its 75th percentile.

Owners give the mileage themselves, often as a round number, and NHTSA doesn't check it. A complaint that names several components counts under each one, and mileages that can't be right, such as 999,999, or 50 miles on a five-year-old car, are left out.

These figures describe the complaints owners filed. They don't predict when a particular vehicle will have a problem, and vehicles that never had one aren't counted.

Mileage from NHTSA's complaints file of October 31, 2026. How these figures are worked out

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2006 BMW Z4 in 1 investigation. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA08-001: BMW AIRBAG LIGHT ILLUMINATION
Closed December 31, 2008
- Recall 08V-384

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

PCV Heater May Short Circuit

NHTSA #22V119000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Emission Control — Crankcase (PCV) · NHTSA notice

Reported March 2, 2022 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 917,106 vehicles

Repair completion: 35.82% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 22, 2022

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Safety consequence

An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Manufacturer remedy

This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

PCV Heater may Short Circuit

NHTSA #19V273000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Exhaust System — Emission Control — Crankcase (PCV) · NHTSA notice

Reported April 4, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 184,505 vehicles

Repair completion: 31.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified May 30, 2019 · Vehicles built April 28, 2005 – September 29, 2006 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Safety consequence

An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

2006 BMW Z4 Roadster w/SAB

—

out of 5

Overall Safety Rating

Not Rated

Frontal Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 4, Passenger: 4

Side Crash

Not Rated

Driver: 3, Passenger: Not Rated

Side Pole

Not Rated

Rollover

Not Rated

Safety Technology

Electronic Stability Control

1 investigation

91 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2006 BMW Z4.

Steering

ODI #11578535

Incident: January 10, 2024 · Filed: March 20, 2024

The electronic steering has failed several times while driving. This makes it very difficult to maintain a lane and avoid other vehicles. This problem continues intermittently. Thousands of Z4 owners have reported the same issue in online forums.

Steering

ODI #11551080

Incident: July 12, 2023 · Filed: October 20, 2023

In hot weather, the steering binds, making keeping the car in the correct lane extremely difficult. The car will dart from one side to the other. The car will be nearly impossible to keep in the correct lane.

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #11542405

Incident: September 3, 2023 · Filed: September 3, 2023

I have just found out that my 2006 BMW Z4 Convertible has serious wiring issues. The wires for example on my front headlights the insulation is falling off the and leaving bare wires. I am very concerned this could be a fire safety issue that could result in bare electrical wires shorting together and starting a car fire. My research shows that many people who have 2006 BMW Z4 Convertibles are having this same issue. This seems to be a real issue with BMW using cheap wiring harnesses material and over time due heat and cooling is cause the insulation to fail and resulting in this issue.

Steering

ODI #11516542

Incident: April 11, 2023 · Filed: April 11, 2023

When the car gets hot (parked in the sun) the steering becomes knotchy or sticky and the car becomes difficult to control. No problems whatsoever when the car is cool or on a cooler day. This problem has been witnessed by a BMW technician and there are no warning lights. This appears to be a fairly common issues with these cars.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11484865

Incident: September 16, 2022 · Filed: September 16, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the PCV valve heater needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11480747

Incident: April 1, 2022 · Filed: August 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact received a notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer had been notified of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Engine

ODI #11469378

Incident: June 1, 2022 · Filed: June 15, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. Additionally, there was a burning odor on the inside and outside of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the engine spark plugs however, the failure persisted. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.

Engine and Engine Cooling

ODI #11464958

Incident: May 17, 2018 · Filed: May 17, 2022

The contact owns a 2006 BMW Z4. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the traffic light, the vehicle overheated and stalled. The coolant temperature warning light illuminated. The contact waited for the vehicle to cool down and then restarted the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer several times. The dealer completed the engine lifters replacement and other unknown repairs however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while stopped at the traffic light, the vehicle began to overheat significantly and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact immediately exited the vehicle. The contact later pushed the vehicle to the side of the road with assistance. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V273000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Steering

ODI #11440337

Incident: September 15, 2021 · Filed: November 13, 2021

The Steering wheel gets Hard, looks like power steering gets disabled automatically while driving, making it almost impossible to steer. This has started to happen after hot weather had started few months back. I have tried to reproduce this issue several times, but it happens randomly and Not all the time. I don't drive the car much. But this is definitely a serious issue, I checked the BMW community and a lot of people are facing this issue. Not Sure how many have filed a complaint here. But this definitely should be addressed by BMW as this is not just one person facing this issue, there are hundreds and thousands of them. Level of severity is high, as someone who might have not faced this issue yet might suddenly face it on the highway could result in an extremely fatal accident. Havent reported to BMW yet, But found this issue is being faced by alot of people I thought to file my complaint here. I will soon get it repaired or replaced. There were no Warning lamps or messages prior to this. It started happening in September 2021.

Steering

ODI #11428834

Incident: August 12, 2021 · Filed: August 12, 2021

When the outside temperatures are warmer (mid 80's and above) the steering wheel will stick in the center position and require it to be jerked a bit to keep control. This occurs at all speeds, but does not seem to be the case when stopped. since it requires the steering wheel to be jerked to correct, it can cause the car to swerve. I have had the car for several years began noticing the issue once the weather got warmer. The date entered below is today's date, but I have had the issue for perhaps 5 years.

Other BMW Z4 model years

Check your 2006 BMW Z4 VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW Z4 at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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