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SteeringPart report

2003 BMW 325I Steering Problems

Complaints
6about this part
Share
3%of 199 total for the year
Median mileage
40,400miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the steering of the 2003 BMW 325I, 3% of the 199 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,400 miles.

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.

“I have encountered the following problems many times since purchasing the car. The problems started at mileage of about 2000. The steering lost function at low speed when making turn (can't make turn). The engine also died at very low speed. We have to restart the engine every time such problems happens. I reported to local dealers and they were unable to identify the underlying problems.”

NHTSA complaint #10316947, filed 2010-03, 2,000 miles

“2003 Bmw 325I. While driving our Bmw, the power steering failed without warning. There were not visible leaks, vibrations, or unusual noises from the system. When the pump was removed and disassembled, there appeared to be a catastrophic failure of the impeller blade/blades inside the pump. Shards of metal from the impeller blade(s) also went into the power steering rack. Had this happened in a different situation it could have resulted in loss of vehicle control and perhaps a major accident. We still have the old pump.”

NHTSA complaint #10235189, filed 2008-07, 95,000 miles

“My cousin was on his way to get on interstate.....all of sudden his 2003 Bmw 325I steering wheel locked as he tried to leave from a parking lot...he had to brake hard and glad there was nothing on his way...I m just glad that this didn't happen while he was in interstate.....this all happen around 6pm-7pm...so he called Bmw and had towed to local dealer...they called us back on 3rd day and told us our power steering pump went bad and we will have to replace it....and they want me pay for this and price tag is about $1200....please check on this issue and see if this can be major recall....I…”

NHTSA complaint #10247916, filed 2008-11, 86,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2003 Bmw 325I. While driving approximately 50 MPH on normal road conditions, the contact had to use greater force to turn the steering wheel. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they stated that the failure was related to the power steering pump. Currently, the vehicle is inoperable and has not been repaired. The contact was concerned of the safety risk involved. The failure and current mileages were 40,400.”

NHTSA complaint #10247739, filed 2008-11, 40,400 miles

“Power steering pump breaking, looked up online and its a common problem with this type car, very dangerous if driving down road when it breaks, especially if its a know problem”

NHTSA complaint #10724447, filed 2015-06

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2006398%
200432%
200363%
200242%
200143%
199526%
199315%
199213%

Other parts of the 2003 BMW 325I

Air bags
62 complaints
Exterior lighting
48 complaints
Electrical system
43 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
18 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
13 complaints
Engine cooling
11 complaints
Fuel system
8 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Engine
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 325I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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