2004 BMW 5 Series Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 8%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2004 BMW 5 Series, 8% of the 64 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,000 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.
“Bmw 2004 545i active steering problem. My steering wheel suddenly shifted to the right. The active steering light went on. Now the car drives straight with the steering wheel tilted to the right. This is caused by the battery voltage drop. Car starts to shut down major components active steering, transmission, navigation, and I-drive system which controls the whole cars electronics. Scary when you have a 8 month old kid in a car.”
NHTSA complaint #10367336, filed 2010-11, 82,000 miles“The active steering malfuntion light came on and the steering wheel turned aprox. 30 deg off center. The car drives fine but the wheel is stuck 30 deg off center.”
NHTSA complaint #10447318, filed 2012-02, 68,000 miles“Active steering fault light and the passenger restraining system lights come on after car parked for over a week during a trip out. Several forums have indicated similar failure with excessive repair costs from dealer.”
NHTSA complaint #10436926, filed 2011-11Related 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 2004 BMW 5 Series
29 complaintsSeats
11 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsOther or unknown
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 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