2006 BMW Z4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 55about this part
- Share
- 60%of 91 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,244miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 55 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW Z4, 60% of the 91 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,244 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Steering appears to be sticking or staying at a certain point in the steering radius. I almost veered into oncoming interstate traffic. I compensated immediately, but it released its stick and turn to much and almost veered into traffic I was in. Very scary, very dangerous. There was a possibility of much injury or death because of this issue. Bad”
NHTSA complaint #11192705, filed 2019-03, 70,500 miles“The steering is very sticky, scary when temperatures are warm. It has scared me to the point where I will not let my wife drive the vehicle when its above 70 degrees outside. The steering wheel has a mind of its own. Any speed from 10 to 70 MPH”
NHTSA complaint #10870826, filed 2016-05, 21,225 miles“On warm days the steering on my 2006 Bmw Z4 becomes unresponsive and unpredictable. On hot days it is downright dangerous. I have read in many places that this is due to a design defect in the steering column. One source who is an ase-certified master technician says that the Bmw Z4 sticky steering is related to a manufacturing defect, that has been rectified as of 2007 and up. There is a bearing located in the middle of the steering column that is not sealed. With time and when hot, the lubricant gets dry and gums up. …”
NHTSA complaint #10991583, filed 2017-05, 54,000 miles“I just purchased a 2006 Z4 3.0i with 21000 miles from a dealership in wilmington, nc. During the test drive I noticed that the steering was unusually stiff and at higher speeds the car was somewhat hard to keep in a straight line. I dismissed the issue as a possible alignment or worn out tire issue. On the 120 mile drive home to raleigh, nc the steering became more and more erratic, pushing the car half way to the other lane. I noticed that the steering was getting really sticky and jerky the longer I drove. …”
NHTSA complaint #10637878, filed 2014-09, 21,500 miles“I have a 2004 Z4 3.0 with 69k miles. Have had the car for several years and have noticed a steering issue that seems to be getting worse. I researched this on multiple forums and it appears that there are numerous examples of similar problems. Most relate to issues in hot temperatures, mine is more related to speed. Here are the symptoms... At low speeds (under 20mph) steering is very light and smooth, no issues at all. As speed increases, the steering gets heavier (as it should) but develops a detent at straight center. …”
NHTSA complaint #10605892, filed 2014-06, 68,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 40% |
| 2019 | 1 | 20% |
| 2013 | 1 | 14% |
| 2012 | 1 | 20% |
| 2011 | 13 | 28% |
| 2009 | 1 | 5% |
| 2008 | 5 | 26% |
| 2007 | 11 | 33% |
| 2006 | 55 | 60% |
| 2005 | 172 | 90% |
| 2004 | 378 | 92% |
| 2003 | 342 | 83% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW Z4
14 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsBody and structure
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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