2006 BMW 330I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 9%of 219 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2006 BMW 330I, 9% of the 219 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I had been using the car regularly driving to and from work. Randomly the yellow light pops up of the steering lock sign then a couple days later the car shuts down and the light turns red. The car then would not start. There was nothing I could do the car was parked at my work and was forced to get it towed to Bmw.”
NHTSA complaint #10690466, filed 2015-02, 92,000 miles“I went to start my Bmw 330I and a warning indicator came up and said there was a steering lock malfunction. It said to move the steering wheel and start the car. I tried and tried to start the car but it just kept saying the same thing. The temperature outside was below freezing. I waited a while and tried again and it started. There are several complaints about this issue and it needs to be a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10672039, filed 2015-01, 180,000 miles“I have an amber colored steering wheel lock icon on the dashboard. I took it to the dealer and they said it is not safe to drive it because this will lock up the steering wheel. I told them if that's the case then there should be a recall and unfortunately there hasn't been one. Hopefully everyone who has had this issue files a complaint with the NHTSA as this is a very serious problem and one that needs to be addressed by Bmw na.”
NHTSA complaint #10457718, filed 2012-05, 62,500 miles“I have a 2006 Bmw 330I which had a steering column malfunction and failure. It is safety problem and should be covered by a Bmw customer satisfaction campaign. On january 7, 2014 the temp. Was minus 15 degrees f and the warning indicator in the instrument panel showed an icon of a steering wheel and a lock and the vehicle failed to start. The owners manual says lights up in yellow: electric steering wheel is jammed. Move the steering wheel before starting the engine. I moved the steering, but the vehicle would not start. …”
NHTSA complaint #10560549, filed 2014-01, 60,600 miles“I own a 2006 Bmw 330I. I'm having problems with the steering column lock which prevents the car from starting. The problem starts with a yellow warning light that indicates the steering column is locked. Then, when the indicator light turns red, the car does not start. I first experienced the problem in 2007 and the steering column was replaced under warranty. In 2010, the yellow light started coming on again intermittently and it is now on every time I enter the car. I took the car to the local Bmw dealership to be diagnosed. They tell me I need a new steering column yet again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10416798, filed 2011-08, 20,000 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 17% |
| 2024 | 1 | 17% |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% |
| 2018 | 1 | 3% |
| 2017 | 1 | 2% |
| 2006 | 20 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 11% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 330I
133 complaintsElectrical system
34 complaintsSeat belts
24 complaintsSeats
20 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
14 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 330I
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