2004 BMW 545I Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 9%of 44 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 72,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the steering of the 2004 BMW 545I, 9% of the 44 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 72,500 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.
“Takada recall. My car's make cracking noise or groaned noises as some other e60 owners described. The noises sounded as the car start rolling at low speed whether go straight or turn a little to left or right. It's happened every time. The airbag light come on during drive and it is off when I shut off the engine. The next time I start the car is still remain stayed on, and it's goes off during drive. The steering wheel seems not firm unlike e39 is more firm. …”
NHTSA complaint #11019448, filed 2017-08, 15,000 miles“The battery died so I got a new one. After reinstalling it, all the dash lights came on. The active steering came on also. After driving the car off the lot, I realized my steering wheel was turned to the left but I was going straight. Now I can't figure out how to fix this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10453642, filed 2012-03“On Bmw with the n62 4.4l v8 engine there's an oil leak on the alternator bracket that leaks for a while until it is inspected and found it leaks oil on the steering components I think causing the steering components to deteriorate after a while causing a safety issue. The oil leak eventually happens to all n62 4.4l v8 engines.”
NHTSA complaint #10475298, filed 2012-09Related 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
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 6% |
| 2004 | 4 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 545I
18 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 545I
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