US vehicle recalls and complaint patterns, explained

BMW Z3 recalls and complaints by year

Comprehensive recall and complaint data for the BMW Z3, sourced from official National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records.

Last updated: (NHTSA data snapshot)

← View all BMW models

At a Glance

Total Recalls 4
Total Complaints 296
Years Covered 1996–2003

Stats focus on model years from 1960 onwards. Earlier years appear in the detailed table below where data exists.

Ask About This Model

Get plain-language explanations of recalls and complaints for the BMW Z3. Powered by AI, backed by NHTSA data.

AI Assistant
Important: This assistant provides context from aggregated NHTSA data. Always check your specific VIN on NHTSA.gov for vehicle-specific recall information.

Key Takeaways

A quick scan of where recalls and complaints concentrate for the BMW Z3, based on aggregated NHTSA counts and campaign metadata.

Recall Themes

Instead of listing long campaign narratives, this groups recall campaigns into a few recurring areas. Each theme links back to official notices as evidence.

Electrical

1 campaign · Years: 1999

These campaigns relate to wiring or electrical components that can cause warning lights, loss of function, or fire risk in some cases.

Official notices (evidence):

Other

1 campaign · Years: 1996–1997

These campaigns do not fit a single dominant theme, or the component taxonomy is broad.

Official notices (evidence):

Powertrain

1 campaign · Years: 1999

These campaigns relate to drivetrain or transmission components that can affect shifting, power delivery, or control.

Official notices (evidence):

Most Reported Issues

Across all model years, the most frequently reported areas for the BMW Z3 in NHTSA complaint data are Air bags, Seats, Seat belts.

Jump to Model Year

Year-by-Year Overview

Each row shows how often this model appears in NHTSA recalls and consumer complaints for a given model year. These are counts of campaigns and complaints, not risk predictions.

Model Year Recalls Complaints Details
2003 0 4 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Engine and engine cooling, Steering, Suspension.
2002 0 9 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Steering, Seat belts.
2001 0 28 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Tires, Electrical system, Power train.
2000 0 54 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Air bags:frontal, Suspension.
1999 2 56 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Structure:frame and members, Power train:driveline:differential unit.
1998 0 45 Complaints recorded; no recall campaigns issued.
Top complaint areas: Seats, Exterior lighting:headlights, Power train.
1997 1 66 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Seats, Air bags, Seat belts.
1996 1 34 Both recalls and complaints recorded.
Top complaint areas: Air bags, Seat belts:front:retractor, Seats.

What to Do Next

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov

Recall Evidence by Year

A compact evidence view of recall campaigns that include this model. The default text is an original summary line, with official notice text available on demand.

Most common areas involved: Vehicle speed control , Electrical system and Power train

Show recall evidence by year

1999

  • Electrical system: Cables: Safety recall involving the electrical system area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (98V275000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The nut that secures the main positive cable to the positive battery terminal clamp was not tightened properly, allowing the cable to loosen over time. If this occurred, the cable could ultimately loosen to the point where electrical continuity could be in
  • Power train: Differential unit: Safety recall involving the power train area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (99V272000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The rear axle differential may contain ring gear bolts that were incorrectly torqued during assembly. The bolt or bolts could loosen leading to noise from the differential.

1997

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can se

1996

  • Vehicle speed control: Safety recall involving the vehicle speed control area. See the official notice for the exact defect, risk, and remedy details.
    View official NHTSA notice (97V131000) →
    Show official notice text
    Summary: The cruise control and throttle cables are attached to the same throttle valve actuating lever at the throttle housing. It is possible that the plastic bushing on either cable could break due to environmental influences coupled with vibration. If the bushing breaks, the outer cable housing can se

Other BMW Models

Explore recall and complaint data for other BMW models.

⚠️ Important Safety Information

Recall Explained provides independent analysis of official NHTSA data. This site does not replace the official NHTSA VIN lookup and should not be treated as legal or safety advice for your specific vehicle.

For any safety concerns: Always check your VIN on the official NHTSA site and contact an authorized dealer.

Check Your VIN on NHTSA.gov