BMW 328I power steering loss problems

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Electrical · TX

The vehicle constantly and increasingly exhibits the symptoms described in RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V‑044: REPAIR BATTERY POSITIVE CABLE, dated XXX , i.e., various electrical malfunctions, including flickering of the instrument cluster, and brief loss of engine power. However, VIN [XXX] is NOT included in this campaign. It appears that the next possibility, even though deemed "extremely isolated" by the recall, is that "the engine may shut off while driving, which leads to a loss of power steering assistance." BMW and the federal safety agency each state that the other is responsible for including VINs in a recall, yet I am the one at risk of crash. Do I need to seek legal action against both BMW and the federal safety agency to determine who is responsible for adding the VIN to the recall so BMW can eventually reimburse me for the needed repairs? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 3, 2026 · Airbags, Engine · VA

RECALL OMISSION & SAFETY DISPUTE (Case #10683843): I am reporting two documented safety defects in my 2008 BMW 328i (N51 engine) that are identical to existing Federal Safety Recalls but have been omitted from the recall VIN list for this model year. 1. AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILURE (Recall 17V‑428): The vehicle has a confirmed Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Mat). This is the exact failure mode described in Recall 17V‑428. This defect has deactivated the front passenger airbag system, as indicated by the red SRS warning light. The manufacturer has refused to address this as a safety recall, despite the component failing in the identical manner described in the 2006 model year recall. This creates an immediate risk of injury or death to front-seat passengers in the event of a crash. 2. ENGINE STALL RISK (Recall 23V‑707): This vehicle utilizes the same aluminum VANOS housing bolts that are currently under Safety Recall 23V‑707 for 2010–2012 models. These bolts are known to loosen and shear, causing sudden engine stalling while in motion. Despite the high risk of a high-speed stall and loss of power steering/braking, the manufacturer is excluding 2008 models from the recall remedy. DEALER/MANUFACTURER RESPONSE: The vehicle was inspected by a dealer in October 2024 (Invoice #156201), but the safety warning light was not documented on the repair order. A subsequent formal request for assistance (Case #10683843) was denied verbally by the manufacturer's regional management, who stated the vehicle is excluded from the recall based on its VIN, regardless of the active safety system failure. I am requesting a formal investigation into this Recall Omission to ensure these safety-critical repairs are provided to all affected vehicles.

Filed Jul 10, 2023 · Steering · 200,000 miles · SC

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 shavings were found in the steering pump. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2022 · Engine · 120,000 miles · LA

The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the engine started smoking and overheating. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering failed to operate as needed; however, the contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to several local mechanics and BMW specialists. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle has remained with the dealer for 3 years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Dec 20, 2021 · Electrical · 93,000 miles · MI

The positive battery terminal connection on the thickest cable in the trunk of the car (this wire leads from the battery in the trunk to the fuse box behind the glove box of the car) was loose due to either natural loosening over time (i.e. loss of torque on the fastener) or improperly applied torque by various BMW service shops (battery was changed by independent BMW service shop in 2018 and checked by BMW dealership in 2019 to be in good health). The loose connection at the battery terminal on this wire caused the car to suddenly turn off while driving on the road. Once turned off, there was zero electrical response from the car (e.g. engine turned off, no headlights, no hazard lights, no power steering, no capability to restart the car, airbags likely would not deploy if car crashed, etc.). The car could only be controlled by coasting on its remaining inertia, slowed down using residual braking power (which disappears after applying the breaks 2-5 times due to loss of hydraulic pressure), and forcefully steering the car (since there’s no power steering). This is an INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS situation that could cause loss of life due to complete loss of control of car. Both the battery and alternator were in good health. Only the battery terminal connection was loose, leading to a single point failure of the ENTIRE electrical system of the car and the car itself. There is NO redundancy in the electrical system; even if the alternator is running fine, the loose battery connection will kill the car. Furthermore, once car is stopped and safely secured, it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to open the trunk to access the battery as there is no way to access the trunk manually via key. I had to apply a 12V source to the large red wire at the fuse box to power on the car, enabling me to open the trunk. This requires removing cupholders, glove box, various trim panels, etc. to access the fuse box. Absolutely terrible design.

Filed Dec 6, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

Air bag is broken steering is very hard to turn the computer system went out and 1s gear is having problems taking off. I fear for my life every time I drive my only car. Can you please help me with these recalls problems

Filed Oct 7, 2020 · Steering · 29,000 miles · VA

Vehicle has under 30,000 miles and requires a new power steering module which includes the rack and pinion steering assembly, new computer programming and wheel alignment. The factory installed power steering assembly module is turning off and back on; when off there is no power steering assistance make if very difficult to steer the car especially at slower speeds. When the power steering comes back on and the vehicle is at speed it creates a very sensitive steering wheel which causes driver to over steer the vehicle. When making a sharp turn like when turning onto another street and the power steering is out the driver has to "muscle" the steering wheel to make the turn; if during that turn the power steering assist returns this causes the driver to over steer the car either into traffic or off the road. As of 10/07/2020 the power steering assist is completely out and the vehicle is not safe to drive.

Filed Apr 5, 2020 · Engine · 10 miles · AZ

While driving and vehicle in motion even during acceleration, with no warnings vehicle just stalls. Engine shuts off and loss of power steering. Power to rest of vehicle still works fine and not interrupted. This has happened on city streets but luckily was able to muscle off the street into safety as car still glided. Unknown to components causing issue as check engine light goes off after being able to restart vehicle. Had vehicle scanned and nothing comes up. All recalls have been performed according to bmw website.

Filed Mar 18, 2020 · Steering · 62,000 miles · WA

Power steering failure resulted in sudden loss of steering control. This issue has been addressed by bmw but my VIN is not included in any recall or service notice. Upon research, this is a common safety issue that could cause crash and injury. Bmw has admitted issues with bolts that support the power steering failing, which can damage and break the power steering. Yet there is no recall. The vehicle was stationary when the problem first occurred. I have linked the federal safety agency service bulletin:

Filed Jul 17, 2016 · Engine · FL

7/1/16 I previously submitted a form & combined all complaints at once, the first issue I have had was rite after I purchased the vehicle from a dealer on 7/1/16 and 2 hours at 45mph on north view drive jackson, ms approaching the stop sign the car mad a loud noise as if it was a busted air conditioner, no AC on , the car stalled after the approach of the intersection and then check engine light came on the dash, the steering was hard and the car rocked a bit like it was the air conditioner. I had to put the car in park and restart in the middle of traffic but, it did restart. Called the dealer and issue was resolved I thought, the car had been driven 3 days prior to traveling florida and it was running ok in 35mph zones with the air on and a few moments on the highway with no problems. 7/10 mobile,al I-59s same issue happened as I approached and stay at a light in a 45mph zone, the only difference was no lights on the dash and no laugh noise. 7/16/16 jacksonville,fl beach blvd. Same issue after consistinatly being in a 45 MPH zone for 25 min and approaching the signal light, once at a complete stop vehicle again powered off, no issues on the dash and once car was put in park it restored but started with the same loud noise from the two previous times. This vehicle has had a recall on issues like this in the past and the vehicle is unsafe, I am scared of accidents due to this issue and the vehicle is undriveable and unsafe.