2011 BMW Z4 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 28%of 46 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the steering of the 2011 BMW Z4, 28% of the 46 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,500 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Electric power steering failed. Steering system failure warning light came on. The steering wheel began to shake, and the steering wheel would turn a few degrees with power assistance and as I continued to turn the wheel power assist went away requiring excessive effort to turn. This first appeared on start up as I was driving out of my driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #10919839, filed 2016-10, 32,000 miles“Electronic power steering has intermittent faults/errors due to a manufacturing defect, resulting in complete loss of power steering. Bmw acknowledged this issue and did a recall in 2012 for 2012 model year Z4's - NHTSA campaign id number: 12v302000. The scope of the problem is well beyond the 162 vehicles that were addressed with the recall in 2012.”
NHTSA complaint #11309349, filed 2020-02, 41,000 miles“Eps failed while driving on state highway. Power steering alarm came on and steering became very stiff and hard to steer. Pulled off the road and turned car off and back on. Fault reset but the alarm ocassionally still sounded. Took to Bmw service, checked out and said the eps box needed replaced. Dealer serviced car and continued to drive car for five months. This time steering failed again while driving , but the steering returned. Headed to home and steering again failed and alarm came on. Steering now is stiff and cannot drive. …”
NHTSA complaint #11162541, filed 2018-12, 73,000 miles“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11013144, filed 2017-08, 29,950 miles“Electrical power steering system failed, warning light came on. Vehicle suddenly became very difficult to impossible to steer. Failed to negotiate a turn and nearly hit a tree. I have an appointment set with an independent service dealer near me, but I’m afraid to drive it there, so I may have it towed. The warning light came on just moments before the initial failure.”
NHTSA complaint #11658036, filed 2025-04Steering: 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 2011 BMW Z4
10 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsWheels
7 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaintsTires
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 BMW Z4
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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