NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
56 reportsClear category filter58,000 miles · Sep 10, 2012
Steering
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK ICON CAME UP ON THE DASH PANEL. IT KEPT GIVING THE WARNING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO CRANK IT. I DROVE IT HOME AND WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP AND HAD NO PROBLEM WITH STEERING IN TES…
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I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK ICON CAME UP ON THE DASH PANEL. IT KEPT GIVING THE WARNING THAT THE STEERING WHEEL WILL LOCK AND IF I TURN THE CAR OFF AND I WON'T BE ABLE TO CRANK IT. I DROVE IT HOME AND WHEN I TURNED THE CAR OFF, I WAS ABLE TO CRANK IT BACK UP AND HAD NO PROBLEM WITH STEERING IN TEST DRIVE, BUT I WILL HAVE TO VISIT MY LOCAL BMW REPAIR SHOP TOMORROW. I HAVE KNOWN OTHER BMW OWNER'S WHO SAYS THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM MORE THAN ONCE AND I FOUND A LOT OF THE SAME PROBLEMS ON THE INTERNET FORUMS. I AM WONDERING IF THIS IS A DEFECT IN THE BMW 328I MODELS BECAUSE I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THE STEERING WHEEL COULD ALSO LOCK IF A PERSON WAS DRIVING, ALSO. I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT, HOPING THAT ANY SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION BY THE NHTSA WILL REVEAL ANY SAFETY ISSUE WITH THIS KNOWN DEFECT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10474592
48,385 miles · Jul 9, 2012
EngineSteering
VEHICLE WILL NOT START, REPLACED BATTERY AND ICON DISPLAYING ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK (ELV) SHOWS IN THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WILL NOT START AS STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND CAN NOT BE RELEASED DEALER SAYS THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, DEALER SAID THE SEE ABOUT…
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VEHICLE WILL NOT START, REPLACED BATTERY AND ICON DISPLAYING ELECTRIC STEERING LOCK (ELV) SHOWS IN THE DASHBOARD. VEHICLE WILL NOT START AS STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKED AND CAN NOT BE RELEASED DEALER SAYS THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS, DEALER SAID THE SEE ABOUT 3 CARS A WEEK WITH THIS PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10464753
40,000 miles · Jun 27, 2012
Steering
RED INDICATOR FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. CAR FAILED TO START UNLESS MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK COLUMN BY INSERTING AND REMOVING KEY. DEALER SAYS THE COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND THE CAR REPROGRAMMED TO "ACCEPT" THE NEW COLUMN. THE CAR IS COVERED UNDER A CPO WARRANTY, SO THE PARTS WILL BE COVERED, BUT…
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RED INDICATOR FOR ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. CAR FAILED TO START UNLESS MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO UNLOCK COLUMN BY INSERTING AND REMOVING KEY. DEALER SAYS THE COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AND THE CAR REPROGRAMMED TO "ACCEPT" THE NEW COLUMN. THE CAR IS COVERED UNDER A CPO WARRANTY, SO THE PARTS WILL BE COVERED, BUT THE "REPROGRAMMING" IS NOT. AN INTERNET SEARCH FOR "BMW ELECTRIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION" RETURNS MULTIPLE INSTANCES OF THE FAILURE MODE. IN SOME CASES MULTIPLE TIMES PER VEHICLE. PLEASE HELP US! BMW IS IGNORING THE ISSUE OR KICKING-THE-CAN DOWN THE ROAD UNTIL THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10463352
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2012
Steering
STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WHICH IS INHERENT ON THIS MODEL. BMW REFUSES TO RECALL THE ITEM. THEY HAVE SINCE CORRECTED THE MALFUNCTION ON SUBSEQUENT YEARS. REPAIR COST $1800 MIN. I WILL ADD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE EVER GROWING LIST I AM SURE YOU HAVE ON THIS MODEL. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL ATTEND TO THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE STEERI…
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STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION WHICH IS INHERENT ON THIS MODEL. BMW REFUSES TO RECALL THE ITEM. THEY HAVE SINCE CORRECTED THE MALFUNCTION ON SUBSEQUENT YEARS. REPAIR COST $1800 MIN. I WILL ADD THIS COMPLAINT TO THE EVER GROWING LIST I AM SURE YOU HAVE ON THIS MODEL. HOPEFULLY YOU WILL ATTEND TO THE DANGEROUS PROBLEM. THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKS YOU CRASH. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10452435
90,000 miles · Mar 14, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering
I WAS LEFT STRANDED IN A PARKING LOT WITH THE STEERING WHEEL LOCK LIGHT SHOWING. I WAS NOT ABLE TO START THE CAR AT ALL AND I WAS UPSET BECAUSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE CLOSEST PLACE WHICH WAS AN EXTREME BURDEN ON ME FINANCIALLY. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10451711
41,920 miles · Jan 25, 2012
Steering
WE DID NOT BUY BMW JUST FOR THE LOOK BUT WE BOUGHT IT CAUSE OF HOW GOOD THEY MAKE THERE CARS AND NOW THIS HAPPEN AND BOY I WAS FOOLED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10445168
42,850 miles · Nov 30, 2011
Steering
STEERING COLUMN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED PER DEALER. *KB
NHTSA ODI #10437835
54,000 miles · Oct 24, 2011
Steering
THE STEERING COLUMN LOCK FAILED WHICH REQUIRED BMW TO REPLACE THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN AT $1,252.92!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432602
69,000 miles · Oct 23, 2011
Electrical SystemSteering
THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THE CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY DESPITE THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYING THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE LIGHT, UNTIL I TRIED TO START MY CAR ONE MORNING. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, AND I HAD TO GE…
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THERE IS A DEFECT WITH THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK. THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THE CAR FUNCTIONED NORMALLY DESPITE THE OWNER'S MANUAL SAYING THE CAR WOULD NOT START. I THOUGHT IT WAS A DEFECTIVE LIGHT, UNTIL I TRIED TO START MY CAR ONE MORNING. THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK WOULD NOT DISENGAGE, AND I HAD TO GET THE CAR TOWED. IT APPEARS TO BE A COMPLEX PROBLEM AS BMW DEALER MECHANICS CAN ONLY TELL ME THAT THE STEERING COLUMN NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. THEY WILL NOT TELL ME WHY IT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED OR WHAT IS CAUSING THE PROBLEM. ESTIMATES FOR REPAIR HAVE BEEN BETWEEN $1300 AND $1800 DEPENDING ON THE DEALER. I UNDERSTAND THAT CARS BREAK DOWN BUT, AFTER VISITING BMW FORUMS ON THE INTERNET, IT IS PLAIN TO SEE THAT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT THAT BMW REFUSES TO FIX. ONE POSTING DID INDICATE THAT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP WHILE THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN CAUSING A DANGEROUS SITUATION, BUT, IN MY CASE, THE CAR WAS PARKED. THIS DEFECT DOES POSE TO CAR OWNERS A GREAT INCONVENIENCE WITH POSSIBLE UNSAFE CONSEQUENCES DEPENDING ON THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE CAR OWNER GETTING STRANDED. FURTHERMORE, ONCE STRANDED, THE OWNER HAS LITTLE CHOICE BUT TO GET IT TOWED MOST LIKELY TO A BMW DEALERSHIP AND PAY THE LARGE REPAIR BILL. (I TRIED AN INDY BMW SPECIALIST FIRST. HE COULD NOT FIX IT OR EVEN DETERMINE WHY IT WAS OCCURRING.) I AM FILING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE HOPE THAT ANY SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATION BY THE NHTSA WILL REVEAL THAT BMW HAS LET A KNOWN DEFECT PERSIST. ONCE THAT IS DISCOVERED, BMW SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO FIX THE DEFECT AND REIMBURSE OWNERS WHO HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR A COSTLY REPAIR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10432477
Mileage unknown · Jul 27, 2011
Steering
STEERING WHEEL LOCKED ON 2007 BMW 328I COUPE FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS! HAD TO HAVE VEHICLE TOWED, MISSED WORK, AND OUT OF A VEHICLE UNTIL IT IS FIXED...FOR THE SECOND TIME IN TWO MONTHS. I ALSO KNOW OF AT LEAST 4 PEOPLE WHO HAVE HAD THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM WITH THEIR BMW'S. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10415423
Official recalls
6Jul 3, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 25, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Nov 12, 2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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