2004 BMW 525I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 2%of 84 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 133,751miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2004 BMW 525I, 2% of the 84 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 133,751 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.
“Went to start car after a 5 minute drive. Steering wheel locked, no sound, ignition not working. Had to have car towed. Bmw is saying it needs a new steering column, ignition switch, to the tune of $3300! The car is a 2004 Bmw 525I. Sounds like this is a common problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10437210, filed 2011-11, 175,200 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 525I
33 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsSeats
17 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 525I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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