2016 BMW X3 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 4%of 82 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 49,900miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the steering of the 2016 BMW X3, 4% of the 82 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 49,900 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.
“While approaching a stoplight, braked, then went to accelerate and the vehicle totally shutdown and stopped while driving in traffic. This was a catastrophic failure, which could have killed both occupants of this vehicle. The check engine light was activated. Upon attempting to restart the vehicle to move it out of the way of traffic, the vehicle would not start. The transmission would not be placed in neutral nor could the parking brake be disengaged so the vehicle could be pushed out of the way of traffic. This was a very dangerous situation. …”
NHTSA complaint #11145186, filed 2018-11, 29,800 miles“The contact owns a 2016 BMX X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The RPM was elevated; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with Electronic Power Steering Control Unit failure. The contact was informed that the Electronic Power Steering Control Unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. …”
NHTSA complaint #11715533, filed 2026-02, 70,000 miles“2016 Bmw X3. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration and episodes of steering wheel briefly unresponsive when merging into traffic. The consumer stated the vehicle would suddenly accelerate while the vehicle was moving and stopped with the driver's foot on the brake.”
NHTSA complaint #10862862, filed 2018-03Related service bulletins
- 10136305Feb 1, 2018CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE (CCM): ASSISTANCE SYSTEM RESTRICTED AFTER DELETING TRANSPORT MODE: The CCM assistance systems restricted or pedestrian protection system failed is displayed…
- 10146764Sep 1, 2017Grating or Scraping Noise When Turning Steering Wheel. There is a grating or scraping noise when the steering wheel is turned. The noise comes from the steering column switch…
- 10151013Jan 1, 2016The Windshield Wipers Come On Erroneously. The windshield wipers come on by themselves without activating the switch. This can happen at vehicle start or while driving…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 27% |
| 2025 | 8 | 21% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% |
| 2018 | 7 | 9% |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% |
| 2014 | 4 | 5% |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% |
| 2012 | 7 | 17% |
| 2011 | 21 | 19% |
| 2010 | 2 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2016 BMW X3
23 complaintsEngine cooling
18 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsOther or unknown
13 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
6 complaintsAir bags
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTires
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 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