Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Steering (88.1% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Steering complaints here are 14.7× the median for that category across the 1656 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering | 362 · 88.1% | Investigation closed | PE10020 |
| Air Bags | 17 · 4.1% | Investigation closed | EA08001 → recall 08V384000 |
| Electrical System | 14 · 3.4% | No official action | — |
| Steering:electric Power Assist System | 9 · 2.2% | Investigation closed | PE10020 |
| Steering:column | 7 · 1.7% | Investigation closed | PE10020 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 · 1.5% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 411 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 04V182000 · 2004 · reported 04/12/2004
IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER WOULD BE UNABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“VEHICLE HAS A STEERING ISSUE WHERE IT BECOMES 'STICKY'; IT HOLDS VERY TIGHTLY TO THE CENTER POSITION AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN. ONCE IT 'BREAKS…”NHTSA complaint 10410004 — filed 06/30/2011 · STEERING
“WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A 2004 BMW Z4 THAT HAS NOTCHY/STICKY STEERING THE CAR HAS 23000 MILES ON IT APPEARS TO HAPPEN WHEN…”NHTSA complaint 10408733 — filed 06/23/2011 · STEERING
“THE POWER STEERING BECOMES "STICKY" IN WARM WEATHER. THERE IS NO PROBLEM WITH THE STEERING IN COOL WEATHER. I KEEP THE CAR IN COVERED PARKING…”NHTSA complaint 10406953 — filed 06/15/2011 · STEERING
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Steering issues are the most-reported category, cited in 362 of 411 NHTSA complaints (88.1%), followed by air bags (17), electrical system (14), steering:electric power assist system (9). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
411 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 1 involved a crash, 2 involved a fire, and 0 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 1 NHTSA safety recall campaign, including campaign 04V182000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
