2009 BMW 3 Series Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 6%of 53 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 70,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2009 BMW 3 Series, 6% of the 53 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 70,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Noticed a very slight tapping when the car was first cranked--but no engine warning lights. After driving it for a few miles, a warning light indicating charging malfunction flashed on, and the battery symbol appeared. Because I was the passenger, I googled Bmw 328i charging malfunction and the first result that came up read Bmw/ january 2013/ recall campaign no. 12v-550: engine belt idler pulley bolt for mys 2009-2012 Bmw x5 xdrive 35s savs. Before I could inform driver, he complained that he had lost power steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #10837318, filed 2016-02, 89,000 miles“He tenido varios problemas con el carro, corriendo al voltear se me apago dos veces y fue muy peligroso porque los carros que iban atras casi me pegan y claro se molestaron mucho al sacar la vuelta rapido para no golpear mi carro, lo lleve al mecanico y tardo mucho para hallar el problema, la flecha derecha (blinking light) esta quebrada lo hace muy rapido y al checar me dijeron que se tiene que reparar todo incluido el foco de atras, problema con los cables de bateria eso si me lo arreglaron gratis porque tiene recall, pero luego la bateria empezo a fallar y hubo que cambiarla, el volante…”
NHTSA complaint #10821858, filed 2016-01, 10 miles“While attempting to make a right turn the steering wheel locked and at that time the brakes became unresponsive as well. This resulted in a motor vehicle accident as my car only stopped by hitting another car waiting at the opposite light. It can be compared to sliding on a patch of ice, but there is no option to move the wheel to try and regain control of your car. I am very thankful that I was not on the interstate when this occurred. There is a very serious safety hazard as I have done some research and found that this is a common issue with this particular automobile make.”
NHTSA complaint #10781956, filed 2015-10, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10240305Aug 2, 2023Spl Parts, Inc. communications index accompanying MCP uploads 23mc40464 & 23mc40471
- 10240273Jul 17, 2023This is the companion to SPL Parts, Inc.'s SB 23-01 mailed by private label independent distributor Turner Motorsports.
- 10240266Jul 14, 2023SPL Parts, Inc. manufacturers and distributes aftermarket lower control arms for dedicated competition vehicles and "track day" cars some of which may be used on both track and…
- 10037537Nov 1, 2010Bmw: immediately after a cold start if electronic components are turned on such as heated seats it may switch off after 5-10 seconds because of a voltage level dip.
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2009 BMW 3 Series
15 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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