2003 BMW 540I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 29%of 7 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 111,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 2003 BMW 540I, 29% of the 7 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 111,000 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.
“Started the car and began to drive out of driveway when I heard a noise in the engine. Shut down engine and popped the hood- found drive belt shredded because power steering pump snapped and let loose into tension pulley- luckily I was not at speed and belt did not fail- otherwise catastrophic engine failure would occur along with loss of power steering.”
NHTSA complaint #10641842, filed 2014-10, 130,000 miles“Driving home one evening, I noticed a binding feeling being transmitted through the drive-train, drive-ability did not seem too affected, other than the odd bind being felt. The next morning upon start-up, the car began making a loud, RPM sensitive whining noise. I shut the car off and drove one of my others. When I opened the hood it was obvious that the serpentine belt was not aligned correctly. Through further observation, it was clear that the power steering pump mounts were broken. The broken mounts caused the pump to push forward and not be aligned. …”
NHTSA complaint #10485167, filed 2012-11, 92,000 milesSteering: other model years
Other parts of the 2003 BMW 540I
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsTires
1 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 BMW 540I
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