The contact owns a 2012 BMW Z4. The contact stated while driving approximately 10 MPH and turning to the left, the steering wheel seized, and the contact had to use force to return the steering wheel back to center. The contact stated that the failure occurred at various speeds while turning left or right. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering while the steering wheel was turned to the left or right. The vehicle regained normal steering functionality when the vehicle was stopped and turned off and restarted. The contact stated the "steering wheel" warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 12V302000 (Steering). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
BMW Z4 steering lock-up problems
44 of the 1,284 owner complaints about the BMW Z4 describe steering wheel locks up, most of them for the 2004 model year.
- owner complaints
- 44
- worst model year
- 2004
- typical mileage
- 51,247
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 18Jerking 4Power steering loss 3Airbag light 2Warning lights 1Stalling 1Shudder 1Loss of power 1
What owners say
Steering locks while driving
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw z4. While driving approximately 45 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The steering unlocked on its own after fifteen minutes of driving. The contact also stated that the vehicle was purchased from an individual back in april of 2018 and the failure occurred ever since. The vehicle was taken to bmw of chattanooga (6806 e brainerd road, chattanooga, tn 37421) where it was diagnosed that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. When the outside temperature was above 80 degrees, the steering wheel seized on several occasions. When the failure occurred, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the mechanic was unable to retrieve a fault code. The dealer (the bmw store, 6131 stewart rd, cincinnati, oh 45227, (513) 271-8700) was contacted and an appointment was scheduled for diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
Failed eps module while driving. On the highway going about 60mph on a 90 degree day. Eps warning light (along with parking and ESC lights) popped up and steering froze. After some force could get steering to move... Slowed down and got off highway. Luckily was only going straight and was not passing or in a turn, very dangerous and scary. After turning the car off/on - all warning lights except eps steering reset. Car power assisted steering now randomly goes on/off. Dealer stated there is an open recall for this issue but only for the 2012 model year. Well it appears the same issue is also on the 2011 and it almost killed me. Luckily I was going straight and not passing or in a turn. Dealer also mentioned the failed module is not a reparable bmw part and the entire steering assembly needs to be replaced... So a very expensive invasive procedure to replace a part that can fail again on a hot day. Voltage issue apparently was fixed in the 2012 model year but not on the 2011. The federal safety agency should review the recall 12v302000 as the 2011 model year apparently also has this same issue as luckily I just lived through it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 bmw z4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the steering wheel seized. The contact stated various warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated the failure was more pronounced during warm temperatures. The contact was a mechanic, who diagnosed that the steering open faced bearing needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the entire steering assembly unit needed to be replaced the manufacturer was notified of the failure the failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Updated 06/02/17*lj the consumer stated the manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance. Updated 08/29/2017
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw z4. While driving various speeds, the power steering seized and made the vehicle difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering mechanism needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v302000 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw z4. While driving 25 MPH, the steering wheel seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 bmw z4. While driving 10 MPH, the steering wheel seized without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the eps failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,773.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 bmw z4. While attempting to reverse the vehicle, the steering wheel seized without warning. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the electrical steering column failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Related recalls
Steering: linkages: tie rod assembly
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
- Risk
- A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417 or Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371.
Recall number 20V355000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- Bmw is recalling certain model year 2011 1-series active e and model year 2012 z4 vehicles. Variations in electrical current may occur within the electric power steering assistance system, leading to sudden loss of power steering assistance.
- Risk
- Sudden loss of steering assistance may increase the steering effort required to control the direction of a vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering assistance module, free of charge. The safety recall began during july 2012. Owners may contact bmw customer relations at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 12V302000 · Recall details
Questions about the BMW Z4 steering lock-up
Which BMW Z4 years have steering wheel locks up problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2004 (23 complaints), 2003 (15 complaints) and 2005 (2 complaints).
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