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SteeringPart report

2012 BMW X3 Steering Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
17%of 42 total for the year
Median mileage
62,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2012 BMW X3, 17% of the 42 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 62,000 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.

“On 19 october my wife and I drove our new Bmw X3 to a shopping center at the corner of gosnell and virginia route 7 near tysons corner virginia. When we attempted to drive the X3 out of the parking lot the steering wheel locked. The steering wheel could not be turned using both hands. The X3 would go forward. It would go backwards. However, the steering wheel would not turn to the left or right. After 30 to 45 minutes the tow truck arrived and I was able to turn the steering wheel. The X3 was towed to the Bmw dealer. The failure was attributed to a steering angle sensor out of position. …”

NHTSA complaint #10433288, filed 2011-10, 19 miles

“My wife was driving the vehicle on the highway, and the power steering failed causing a loss of control of the vehicle. Luckily she was not injured and the vehicle drifted to the right hand lane and off onto the shoulder. After the vehicle was brought home, the electronic steering unit later reset itself after the ignition had been turned off and back on again.”

NHTSA complaint #11384352, filed 2020-12, 78,000 miles

“While driving at highway speeds the steering becomes stiff and sticky causing decreased responsiveness on control of the vehicle. As a result it takes extra effort on traveling in a straight line. Once the sticking is released could cause the driver to overcompensate the steering in one direction or another. I feel this is a major safety concern that needs immediate attention.”

NHTSA complaint #10885519, filed 2016-07, 102,000 miles

“When the temperature is above 90-degrees and while driving on a straight highway, the steering gets stiff and the car is difficult to steer. After many miles of this type of difficult driving across several days, the stiffness disappears. First occurred a year ago; went away, returned last month.”

NHTSA complaint #10892589, filed 2016-08, 64,132 miles

“The contact owns a 2012 Bmw X3. The contact stated that while driving 45 MPH, the power steering system malfunctioned and caused the contact to experience extreme difficulty in steering the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer for a diagnostic test however, the test results were unknown. The failure mileage was 6,200.”

NHTSA complaint #10495149, filed 2013-01, 6,200 miles

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026627%
2025821%
202425%
202317%
202234%
202154%
202022%
201911%
201879%
201722%
201634%
201511%
201445%
201363%
2012717%
20112119%
201026%
200812%
200722%
200522%
200454%

Other parts of the 2012 BMW X3

Air bags
12 complaints
Engine
8 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
7 complaints
Vehicle speed control
6 complaints
Brakes
5 complaints
Other or unknown
5 complaints
Seats
4 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Engine cooling
2 complaints
Seat belts
2 complaints
Fuel system
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X3

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