BMW 328I Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 9, 2026 · 105 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 105 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the BMW 328I across 13 model years. The 2007 model year has the most (56). The words owners use most often: “steering wheel lock” (25% of reports).

105steering complaints
—median miles at failure
7mention a crash
3mention an injury
0related recalls
43%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

Steering wheel lock: mentioned in 26 of 105 complaints (25%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 78 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles7 · 9%

10k–25k miles3 · 4%

25k–50k miles12 · 15%

50k–75k miles19 · 24%

75k–100k miles13 · 17%

100k–150k miles15 · 19%

150k+ miles9 · 12%

How serious are the reports?

Of 105 complaints, 7 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 3 an injury.

BMW 328I steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2007, with 56 complaints

n = 105 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model year	Steering complaints	Share of that year	Median miles
2016 328I	3	5%	29,000
2015 328I	1	1%	40,115
2014 328I	5	3%	80,000
2013 328I	8	3%	61,400
2012 328I	2	2%	19,000
2011 328I	10	2%	11,500
2010 328I	1	1%	87,000
2009 328I	9	5%	82,000
2008 328I	7	3%	57,000
2007 328I	56	14%	80,000
1999 328I	1	1%	—
1998 328I	1	4%	—
1997 328I	1	4%	178,835

When owners reported it

Peak: 2017, with 17 complaints

n = 105 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (0)

No safety recall lists steering for the BMW 328I. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated that while driving, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction. The contact stated that the vehicle was uncontrollable and the malfunction warning light was illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the…
Received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770185

Received recall notice 5 months ago from BMW. Why is it taking so long for them to address this issue?
Received Jan 15, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11636154

BMW issued a recall 10/23/2023 for VANOS Assembly (Engine) Bolts and I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired since January 2, 2024 when my care started having a rough running engine with the Check Engine lamp illuminated and the car was barely maintaining speed on the interstate. I was…
Received May 21, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11589880

I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the…
Received Feb 13, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11571775

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 328I. The contact stated that the vehicle lost power steering assist while driving at an undisclosed speed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact used excessive force while driving back to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where metal…
Received Jul 10, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11531255

Frequently asked questions

Do all BMW 328Is have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints about steering for the BMW 328I. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the BMW 328I steering?

No recall currently lists steering for this vehicle.

What do owners say about steering problems on the BMW 328I?

The most frequent phrase is “steering wheel lock”, in 26 of 105 complaints.