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SteeringPart report

1997 BMW M3 Steering Problems

Complaints
2about this part
Share
11%of 19 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the steering of the 1997 BMW M3, 11% of the 19 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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 brakes grind and squeal when the consumer is attempting to bring the vehicle to a complete stop, the vehicle does not stop immediately instead it slides a few feet before coming to a full stop, the vehicle was taken to the dealer, the dealer stated that the complaint was resolved and that there were no other problems but the problem reoccurs. Nlm”

NHTSA complaint #559939, filed 2001-02

“Tires failed twice. In both cases the tires were worn through to the metal before stopping. Another case LED to an accident. In addition, felt softness in steering and vehicle began to slow down. Within 5 seconds, the vehicle went out of control and crashed.”

NHTSA complaint #539861, filed 1998-08

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
201113%
200822%
200312%
199919%
1997211%
199518%

Other parts of the 1997 BMW M3

Tires
4 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
4 complaints
Air bags
3 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Equipment
3 complaints
Suspension
2 complaints
Brakes
1 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
1 complaints
Vehicle speed control
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW M3

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