2020 BMW X7 Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 9%of 56 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,970miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the steering of the 2020 BMW X7, 9% of the 56 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,970 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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 driving on the freeway at 70mph, my steering and brake system become less responsive. Could not brake fully. Electronic console gave a numerous warning alerts, including: cross traffic warning, four wheel drive system temporarily not available, restraint system malfunction, and possible chassis malfunction. I was to pull over to the side of an offramp, and needed about 100-200 feet for the car to come to a complete stop, despite pumping the brakes.”
NHTSA complaint #11406356, filed 2021-04, 7,940 miles“Hello , I would like to report a failed front differential on my vehicle. This issue was diagnosed by an independent BMW shop and is currently being repaired. Mine made it to 69k miles but many others have had theirs failed before 50k miles. My main goal is to bring light to this issue since it seems to be a design flaw. There's also numerous reports for failed transfer cases since they aren't normally serviced by BMW dealers. I've attached both repair invoices.”
NHTSA complaint #11702895, filed 2025-12“I was driving and as I parked on my driveway a message popped up on my dash board saying Increased Steering efforts then I wasn't able to move the steering wheel at all, it feel like it got locked.”
NHTSA complaint #11677519, filed 2025-07“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X7. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel in either direction there was a squeaking sound coming from the steering column. The contact stated that over time the failure had become progressively worse, and the steering had become unstable while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. …”
NHTSA complaint #11580898, filed 2024-04, 74,000 milesRelated recalls
- 19V631000Aug 28, 2019BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion…Covers: BMW X7 2020, X5 2020
Related service bulletins
- 10249018Jan 8, 2024At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially…
- 10249017Jan 4, 2024SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering…
- 10242691Aug 1, 2023?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
- 10239604Jun 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235181Mar 1, 2023A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
- 10235180Mar 1, 2023When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.
- 10230732Dec 1, 2022The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term.
- 10227551Oct 1, 2022Due to the semiconductor supply, the Local Interconnect Network module in either of the exterior mirrors was switched to another controller. That one provides an imprecise…
- 10211809Mar 1, 2022The steering intervention for Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is too strong (severe), which can create an uncomfortable feeling for the driver. Background: Steering intervention…
- 10206690Dec 1, 2021Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2020 BMW X7
16 complaintsEngine
13 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsSeats
5 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsAir bags
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 BMW X7
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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