2006 BMW 325XI Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 13%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 74,510miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW 325XI, 13% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 74,510 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 was unable to start vehicle because the steering wheel was locked, there was an amber steering wheel symbol being displayed. After searching for answers, I found that this is a common problem many drivers have had. This problem needs to be fixed as it is not easily detectable and can happen unexpectedly.”
NHTSA complaint #10712997, filed 2015-04, 73,000 miles“Ever since I purchased this car, it'd display a yellow icon with a steering wheel lock. On this date, the steering wheel lock failed to disengage and the icon was red, leaving me stranded. This same issue occurred to my friend last month as he has the exact same car as me. According to many online sources, many others have had the exact same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10446704, filed 2012-02, 15,500 miles“First time I noticed the elv steering wheel lock malfunction. I just parked my car, turned off engine, and took out the key fob. I noticed on the instrument cluster a picture of a steering wheel and a pad lock. So I put the key fob back in the slot and the car wouldn't start. Then trying couple times taking out & putting the key fob in the ignition slot and turning the wheel left and right, the car finally started.”
NHTSA complaint #10876616, filed 2016-06, 89,000 miles“After work yesterday when I tried to start my car, the yellow locked steering light came on and the car would not start. After I jerked on the steering wheel, the light went off and the car started. While on my way home, on the highway, the steering locked again and the red light came on. I was going about 75 MPH at this time. I hit the clutch and brakes and jerked the wheel again causing it to release. Luckily it was not rush hour. It has been parked ever since. It has 114k miles.”
NHTSA complaint #10780546, filed 2015-10, 114,000 miles“My 2006 Bmw 325XI has had the amber steering lock light on for over a month and will not go off. It is a common problem with this make and model of car and Bmw has refused to fix it. My car is 3000 miles past the warranty and it needs a new steering column.”
NHTSA complaint #10396007, filed 2011-04, 58,000 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 325XI
64 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsSeat belts
11 complaintsSeats
8 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
5 complaintsEngine
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 325XI
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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