2012 BMW 535I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 7%of 54 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,986miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2012 BMW 535I, 7% of the 54 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,986 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.
“The car will not go straight. It keeps pulling to the right side, my 2012 535I has been aligned twice by Bmw and can't correct the problem. My service advisor advised me that I needed to contact Bmw of north america and address the issue to them.”
NHTSA complaint #10464642, filed 2012-07, 7 miles“I had to replace the airbag clock spring in my car because of a clicking sound when the steering wheel was turning any direction, sound heard when vehicle was in drive or park. I had about 43,000 miles on the vehicle when the noise started. I had called Bmw to see if there was any warranty on this item being it is part of the srs system for the car, and they told me for my vehicle VIN there was not. Being apart of the airbag system I am wondering if there was any safety guidelines or extended warranty I am not being informed of for the part I had to replace 61-31-9-354-047.”
NHTSA complaint #10938578, filed 2016-12, 43,000 miles“The car has been in and out of the shop for various problems from the moment we bought it. The car started making whistling sounds and engine lights would come on and has been seen by Bmw rts already 4 times. But most recently my husband was waiting at the light to make a left turn when his steering wheel all of a sudden locked and he could not drive it. So we took it in to get it serviced and was told to immediately contact Bmw of north america . 3 weeks later I finally received my car and cause of this steering error reads: eps control unit is faulty. …”
NHTSA complaint #10549587, filed 2013-10, 33,573 miles“The contact owns a 2012 Bmw 535I. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to pull to the right. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis but they were unable to duplicate the problem. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 400.”
NHTSA complaint #10541692, filed 2013-09, 400 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…
- 10142929Jan 1, 2018CRACKING NOISES FROM THE FRONT AXLE AREA WHILE TURNING THE WHEELS, WHEN STATIONARY OR PARKING: Cracking noises are heard from the front axle area while maneuvering at low speeds…
- 10146770Sep 1, 2017BUZZING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. While driving at highway speeds, on uneven road surfaces, a buzzing noise is heard coming from the steering wheel. The Lane…
- 10146845Sep 1, 2016BUZZING NOISE HEARD COMING FROM STEERING WHEEL. While driving at highway speeds, on older (worn) road surfaces, a buzzing noise is heard coming from the steering wheel. The Lane…
- 10151312May 1, 2016Troubleshooting intermittent Steering Assistance with Electric Power Steering (EPS). Intermittent steering assistance failure CAUSE The power supply of the EPS control unit.
- 10151176Mar 1, 2016Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. Friction between gap trim…
- 10151101Feb 1, 2016SUBJECT Groaning Noise When Adjusting Steering Column. A groaning noise can be heard when the steering column is retracted and moves into the lower position. CAUSE Friction…
- 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…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2012 BMW 535I
15 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsElectrical system
9 complaintsAir bags
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsWheels
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW 535I
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 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