Recall 12V302 affects 162 2011-2012 BMW Activee and Z4 vehicles for sudden power-steering assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 162 2011-2012 Activee and Z4 vehicles because variations in electrical current can trigger a sudden loss of power steering assistance. That failure increases steering effort and raises crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering assistance system helps turn the front wheels without making the driver provide all the steering force. On the 2011-2012 BMW Activee and Z4, an electric motor adds that assist when the driver turns the wheel, so the car feels controllable at normal steering effort.
In affected vehicles, electrical current varies inside that steering assist system. When the current change disrupts the assist function, the electric help drops out suddenly. The steering connection remains, but turning the wheel takes more effort, especially during low-speed turns, parking, or quick maneuvers.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver can feel the problem only when the assist has already dropped out and the steering wheel suddenly feels much heavier than expected.
Who's affected?
The scope spans the Activee and Z4 across the 2011 and 2012 model years, tied to the same power steering system.
| 2011 BMW Activee | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2012 BMW Z4 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 162 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Sudden loss of steering assistance increases the effort needed to control the vehicle and raises the risk of a crash. If steering becomes heavy, slow down, move out of traffic, and stop in a safe place. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2012 BMW Activee or Z4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering assistance module replacement that addresses sudden loss of power steering assistance.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V302 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Loss of power steering assistance increases steering effort and crash risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the steering assistance module in the electric power steering system. BMW's source remedy says the safety recall began during July 2012, and the listed repair is performed free of charge. For a 2011 Activee or 2012 Z4, ask the BMW service desk to confirm the remedy for your VIN before arranging the visit, since the VIN decides whether this campaign applies.
Timeline
| June 28, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V302?
Recall 12V302 covers 162 2011-2012 BMW Activee and Z4 vehicles with an electric power steering assistance defect. Electrical current variations can cause sudden loss of power steering assistance, which increases steering effort and crash risk. BMW dealers replace the steering assistance module for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2012 BMW Activee or Z4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 12V302. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule steering assistance module replacement. Reference recall number 12V302 when you call. BMW customer relations is available at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair covered safety defects at no cost. BMW dealers replace the steering assistance module free of charge for vehicles included in recall 12V302.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is sudden loss of power steering assistance. If that happens, the vehicle needs more steering effort to control direction, which increases crash risk. BMW did not issue do-not-drive guidance for this recall, but a confirmed vehicle still needs the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my BMW Activee or Z4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN because the year and model are not enough, then call a franchised BMW dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V302000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V302 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V302000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →