2007 BMW 525I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 12about this part
- Share
- 17%of 72 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 62,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 12 complaints about the steering of the 2007 BMW 525I, 17% of the 72 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,500 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 got in my car to go home from work, and a red warning light came on saying steering wheel lock malfunction I have read that this is a problem with most Bmw 3 series and some 5. I had the battery changed one year ago for $800, so it can't be the battery. I believe this is an issue Bmw knows about, but will not issue the proper recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10644463, filed 2014-10, 89,950 miles“At 51000 miles a red light with a steering wheel and a padlock appeared on the dash. The car starts and steers ok with the red steering lock light on. There are no mechanical issues with the car but the light and a message stating go to a safe place before turning the car off. I brought it to the dealer and they tell me the whole steering column has to be replaced to get rid of the red light and the message on the navigation screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #10939946, filed 2017-01, 51,000 miles“I have a Bmw 525I 2007, which was a certified pre-owned vehicle bought from east bay Bmw. Around 71,000 miles, the 'steering wheel lock malfunction' light came on (red color). The car is drivable, and works fine, however, the light is still on with a warning that the engine may not start. I asked Bmw of mountain view for a quote. They say that the elv lock (steering wheel lock) and screws need to be replaced for $1521.49!! That's insane. I see many many other Bmw owners complaint about the same issue. This should be a recall. …”
NHTSA complaint #10716489, filed 2015-05, 71,000 miles“On several occasions my vehicle failed to start because the steering wheel was locked according to the indicator on the dash. The indicator had the letters elv with a picture of a steering wheel with a lock. It stated that for safety reasons the vehicle will not start and in order to start it recommended that I move the steering wheel in order to start the vehicle. The warning was in yellow and several times in red. I'm afraid to drive the vehicle while running errands for the fear that I will become stranded if the vehicle won't start.”
NHTSA complaint #10620916, filed 2014-08, 77,500 miles“Red light on dashboard showing a steering wheel with a lock. First time this happened. Took car to Bmw and have to pay over $100 for a diagnostic test and to be told I'll probably need new steering wheel column. Car has been well maintained. Need a recall on this problem as others have this same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10458992, filed 2012-05, 48,000 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2007 BMW 525I
25 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsSeats
6 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 BMW 525I
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