Model year
2003 BMW Z4
NHTSA lists 4 recalls and 414 complaints for the 2003 BMW Z4 (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are STEERING (326), AIR BAGS (27), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (13). NHTSA lists 1 investigation. NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here. EPA rates it 20–21 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $3,900–$4,100, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2003 414 complaints
- 2004 411 complaints
- 2005 191 complaints
- 2006 91 complaints
- 2007 33 complaints
- 2008 19 complaints
- 2009 22 complaints
- 2010 10 complaints
- 2011 46 complaints
- 2012 5 complaints
- 2013 7 complaints
- 2014 7 complaints
- 2015 5 complaints
- 2016 4 complaints
- 2019 5 complaints
- 2020 5 complaints
- 2021 1 complaints
- 2022 1 complaints
- 2023 0 complaints
- 2024 1 complaints
- 2025 1 complaints
- 2026 0 complaints
Recalls
04V247000 · May 24, 2004
AIR BAGS
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, INCOMPATIBLE ELECTRONIC AIR BAG SYSTEM PROCESSORS MAY HAVE BEEN INSTALLED.
04V182000 · Apr 12, 2004
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
03V214000 · Jun 9, 2003
TIRES
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 18" TIRES, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE TIRE HAS BEEN DAMAGED DURING THE MOUNTING PROCESS TO THE RIM.
03V032000 · Feb 4, 2003
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CONNECTION OF THE SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TO THE STEEL ROPE OF THE TENSIONER DOES NOT MEET BMW SPECIFICATIONS. IN SEVERE FRONTAL CRASHES, THIS CONNECTION CAN DETACH.
Complaints
414 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 5, fire flag on 0, injury field 1, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
| Action | Subject | Opened | Closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| PE10020 | Sticky Steering · STEERING; STEERING:COLUMN; STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM | Jun 28, 2010 | Jun 28, 2011 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA star ratings from before model year 2011 use an older method and are not shown here.
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Z4 Roadster · 2.5L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| Z4 Roadster · 2.5L · Manual 5-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 26 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| Z4 Roadster · 3L · Automatic (S5) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 25 | 20 | — | — | $4,100 |
| Z4 Roadster · 3L · Manual 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| Z4 Roadster · 3L · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
| Z4 Roadster · 2.5L · Automatic (S6) · Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium Gasoline | 18 | 27 | 21 | — | — | $3,900 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2003 BMW Z4 at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.