2006 BMW 325I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 39about this part
- Share
- 8%of 515 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 81,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 39 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW 325I, 8% of the 515 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 81,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Belt tensioner bolt broke off causing serpentine belt to slip off causing engine to fail. Car was being driven when car started to lose power and power steering stopped working. I have no documentation yet because car has just been diagnosed and is in repair shop now. I found online that this has happened to others as well.”
NHTSA complaint #10795200, filed 2015-11, 125,000 miles“The steering column lock was yellow, then went red and would not start. My mechanic got hit to go back to yellow, took it to Bmw and they said the steering column needed to be replaced. Took the car home and to another mechanic who replaced the column, but it did not resolve the issue. Everyone tells me the case needs to be replaced.”
NHTSA complaint #10473274, filed 2012-09, 82,000 miles“My vehicle is in storage for the winter I start it once a week then recently it just stop working and a steering wheel lock appeared on the dashboard I research it and thousands of people who have a Bmw 325I had the same issue . I feel Bmw should repair this manufacturing defect.”
NHTSA complaint #10695466, filed 2015-03, 66,000 miles“2006 Bmw 325I steering wheel lock failure occurred in may 2007. Took car to dealer and the steering wheel column was supposed to have been replaced may 2007. July 2010 car made a loud grinding noise. Aug 2010 got wheel lock symbol again---steering wheel lock failing again for the second time. Took car to dealer. Dealer wants to charge me $130.00 just to check it out--not including repairs. I think this problem should be a recall. This is a common problem with 2006 325I series.”
NHTSA complaint #10353644, filed 2010-09, 81,000 miles“Today my Bmw 325I was giving me a trouble symbol with a red steering wheel with a lock with the number 1 in it. I was parked at gas station getting gas and when I tried to crank the car back up it would not start. I have been reading hundreds of other blogs about people having the exact same problem. It looks like we are going to have to have a tow truck to take the car 70 miles to the nearest dealer and pay to have it fixed. This should certainly be a recall!!! Shame on you Bmw for not admitting that this is a major problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10469243, filed 2012-08, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10194296Apr 1, 2021Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking…
- 10151323May 1, 2016ELV Does Not Release. The customer complains of a no-crank, no-start situation. The condition may be intermittent. The ELV (Electric Steering Lock) warning is shown in the…
- 10151068Feb 1, 2016This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B07 03 14 dated October 2015. Diagnosing Stored Fault Codes to Help Avoid Repeat Repair Visits. Fault codes stored in vehicles…
- 10147941Jan 1, 2014ELV Does Not Release. Cause 1: The steering column is held against the steering lock because of torque from the steering gear. In such cases, a yellow check control warning (CC…
- 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 2006 BMW 325I
241 complaintsElectrical system
85 complaintsEngine
50 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
47 complaintsSeat belts
40 complaintsOther or unknown
33 complaintsSeats
29 complaintsEngine cooling
27 complaintsTires
16 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsBody and structure
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 325I
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