2004 BMW Z4 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 18about this part
- Share
- 4%of 411 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,425miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 18 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 BMW Z4, 4% of the 411 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,425 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My passenger-side airbag literally exploded as I was walking up to my car this morning. Of course, I didn't realize that was what it was until I unlocked my car and opened the door. The airbag was exposed and there was smoke in the car. It appears what happened is the exact reason given for recalling the 3 series vehicles due to the takata airbag problem, the reason given are incidents such as this occur in florida and puerto rico due to the high heat and humidity. …”
NHTSA complaint #10615403, filed 2014-07, 97,684 miles“After cranking my 2004 Z4 in the drive way, my wife in the car with me at the time, the drivers side airbag went off for no reason. Had just put the car into reverse to back it up and then pow sounded like a gunshot going off. I looked over to see my wife panicked as she was stunned that this went off right in her face. It scuffed her arm a bit and got the powder residue in her face. This car has been driven very little, only about 6000 miles a year roughly. This kind of thing should not happen. The car had not even moved it was just put into reverse and then it unexpectantly exploded. …”
NHTSA complaint #10777939, filed 2015-09, 57,425 miles“Airbag deployment while vehicle in motion. 9/27/2012 approx. 6:20pm had one of the passenger side airbags deploy without warning while vehicle was being driven. No accident involved, no striking curb, no pothole...nothing untoward. Bmw dealer now has vehicle to determine cause of malfunction. I have requested that Bmw north america have a representative inspect the vehicle to assist in determining cause of this malfunction and to pass along his findings to the appropriate individuals at Bmw. …”
NHTSA complaint #10477419, filed 2012-09, 38,300 miles“Passenger's airbag indication light is malfunctioned. The indication light of passenger's airbag shows always off. Therefore it can't tell the airbag is on or off.”
NHTSA complaint #10575069, filed 2014-03, 47,000 miles“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 failure mileage was approximately 69,000. Updated 03/07/17”
NHTSA complaint #10946500, filed 2017-01, 69,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10148018Sep 1, 2014"?SI B01 09 14 September 2014 WarrantiesWarranties This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 09 14 dated August 2014. Please read this Service Information bulletin in…
- 10029605Aug 1, 2011Bmw 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…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2014 | 1 | 14% |
| 2013 | 2 | 29% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 8 | 42% |
| 2007 | 6 | 18% |
| 2006 | 14 | 15% |
| 2005 | 10 | 5% |
| 2004 | 18 | 4% |
| 2003 | 31 | 7% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW Z4
378 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsElectronic stability control
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaintsSeats
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology