2003 BMW 5 Series Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 13%of 15 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2003 BMW 5 Series, 13% of the 15 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,250 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 driving appx 40mph while on a local road slightly uphill, engine shut off without warning, lost power steering and brake assist. Luckily no cars around me so I was able to barely roll over to the roadside. Car would not start again, was towed to dealership. Replaced ecu for a total cost of $2k.”
NHTSA complaint #10568719, filed 2014-03, 100,000 miles“The 2003 Bmw 540i power steering pump spool valve was found (disassembled and judged by Bmw technician) to jam at lower RPM thus causing complete loss of power steering assist, especially in reduced RPM turns off highways. On several occasions I nearly crashed into the median-wall because of it. I sent a letter to Bmw but all they told me is that it would be forwarded but that I would never hear back from them again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10363887, filed 2010-11, 68,500 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10043714Feb 1, 2012Bmw: steering column switch center contains one or more faults: internal control, steering wheel lock range exceeded, wiper angle defective. Various check control messages appear…
- 10036979Jun 1, 2010Bmw: a new technical process has been created for bmw to identify causes of steering complaints with a wide range of models.
- 10032825Nov 1, 2007Bmw vehicle: sport transmission paddle shifters inoperative-diagnosis. The direct communication input line between the paddle shifters and the egs transmission control module is…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 5 Series
4 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEngine cooling
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 5 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