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SteeringPart report

2012 BMW X5 Steering Problems

Complaints
20about this part
Share
7%of 271 total for the year
Median mileage
66,228miles
Trend
RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the steering of the 2012 BMW X5, 7% of the 271 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 66,228 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Had to replace water pump at 58,000 miles. Car is spewing exhaust, and acceleration and steering are not functioning properly, likely due to ujoint and/or worn control arm, which I noticed were recalled for other models, but listed as a recall for my car/VIN. Need to reseal crankcase jointing surfaces. Car has 8 recalls listed on kbb, but Bmw only has record of 5 recalls. I do not have records of repairs that were done on car before purchase in nov. Of 2014. Car currently has 69,000 miles and is driving horribly”

NHTSA complaint #11231411, filed 2019-07, 69,000 miles

“On july 31st 2017, the bolt securing idler pulley and alternator sheared. Battery charge malfunction light came on followed by loss of power steering. Looking at my service record, I see that this same bolt was subject to a recall in january 2013 when car was at 12332 miles. The car is now at 63456. Also noted on Bmw owners web site that many other owners of this e70 series design have had the same repeat problem. Bmw dealer in ct performed the latest repair and offered no explanation, except that their work is guaranteed for 2 years. …”

NHTSA complaint #11013643, filed 2017-08, 63,456 miles

“In 2012 a recall was issued for this car and the work was performed at the dealer. On 12/16/2016 the steering failed wile the car was in operation. It was returned to the dealership for repair on the same part as before. My investigation showed there were more than one steering failure in that time period concerning the same model, engine and everything but a 2011 model. I paid out of pocket to have the repairs completed because I need transportation, however Bmw is claiming that once the work is completed and after time of warranty they are no longer responsible. …”

NHTSA complaint #10937632, filed 2016-12, 78,311 miles

“While driving the front wheels will automatically follow a rut in the road causing the vehicle to swerve unexpectedly to the left or right. My wife had rheumatoid arthritis in her hands and cannot drive the vehicle for fear of an accident. When we test drove the vehicle the dealer gave us a different model without the aggressive suspension - the vehicle drive beautifully. When we arrived back at the dealership the dealer had this model on the floor and offered us a deal to purchase it. However, they did not make us aware of the profound difference in the handling. …”

NHTSA complaint #10548362, filed 2013-10, 150 miles

“Shudder or vibration felt on steering with front wheels turned to right or left. Vibration felt when moving forward from a stop position or backing up with front wheels turn to either side. I initially thought it was the tires but it is getting worst even with the new tires.”

NHTSA complaint #10918130, filed 2016-10, 60,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202535%
202432%
202313%
202257%
202133%
202033%
2019189%
201823%
201734%
201634%
201575%
201411%
201321%
2012207%
2011187%
201086%
200964%
200821%
200723%
200621%
200446%
200333%
200266%
2001117%
200013%

Other parts of the 2012 BMW X5

Engine
92 complaints
Air bags
83 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
53 complaints
Electrical system
29 complaints
Fuel system
29 complaints
Other or unknown
14 complaints
Engine cooling
12 complaints
Body and structure
7 complaints
Suspension
6 complaints
Brakes
4 complaints
Seat belts
4 complaints
Exterior lighting
3 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 BMW X5

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