BMW 335I steering lock-up problems

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Airbags, Fuel system · CA · 1 injury

SUBJECT: Catastrophic Steering Failure and Erroneous Safety Recall Notification - 2014 BMW 335i 105,000 milles INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: While driving, the vehicle completely lost steering control. The electronic steering rack disengaged due to a failure in the aluminum mounting bolts. This incident resulted in a near-fatal accident in which the vehicle almost left the road and fell into a ravine. I have 360-degree camera video showing my steering wheel locking up and me struggling to survive. If you contact me, I can provide the video evidence. TECHNICAL BASIS: This failure matches the criteria described in BMW Technical Service Bulletin TSB 01 15 16 (and the previous the federal safety agency recall 14V‑632), regarding corrosion and shearing of the aluminum bolts of the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system. SAFETY REPORT VIOLATION (CRITICAL): The primary concern of this investigation is a significant discrepancy in the safety reports. When checking the official portal for this specific VIN, the system shows "0 open recalls." Similarly, the BMW recall portal also shows 0 open recalls. However, a thorough search of the history through third-party vehicle audit systems reveals four ACTIVE SAFETY RECALLS that have never been addressed: Driver's Front Airbag (Takata): High risk of shrapnel. Inflatable Side Curtain Airbag: Deployment failure. Fuel Pump: Risk of sudden engine stalling. Exterior Lighting/Reflectors. DAMAGES: As a result of this mechanical failure and BMW's failure to accurately report the open safety recalls for this vehicle, I have been diagnosed with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and am currently under medical treatment. I have my medical diagnosis, which states that I developed PTSD as a result of my accident. I now depend on my mother to drive; the mere thought of getting into a car causes me intense fear. I cannot drive without being afraid. The vehicle is currently insured and available for inspection as evidence of this catastrophic failure.

Filed Nov 10, 2020 · Steering · CA

Steering wheel locked, car would not start, this happened after I parked the car. Very expensive to get it fixed

Filed Feb 13, 2017 · Steering · 169,000 miles · FL

The vehicle was parked in my driveway, before I started vehicle I noticed a red steering wheel lock light on my dashboard, I tried to turn vehicle on and unforptunately my car won't start.

Filed May 19, 2016 · Steering · 150,000 miles · FL

I have a 2007 bmw 335i with a locked steering wheel. This have been a non and dangerous problem from the release of the car. Bmw refuses to help there owners even when the estimated repair is about 2000. This item should have been recalled a long time ago, my steering locked on me while I was driving inthe city, I was able to get over before I hit something. Http://bmwproblem.com/tag/steering/page/5/

Filed May 13, 2015 · Electrical · 125,000 miles · CA

I was driving to work and the steering lock malfunction lite up out of nowhere. The car can not move. This is an electrical problem that's dangerous and expensive to fix. Very common problem expressed by many owners with the same model and year as my car. They should've conducted a recall on this!!

Filed Mar 8, 2015 · Steering · 64,000 miles · MA

Just the other day I decided to take a trip to the store . I stepped in the car and attempted to state it. I got the ( electric steering wheel lock malfunction ) it automatically disables the vehicle no matter where you are located . I called the dealership to confirm the diagnostics and they told me it was a common issue and it would cost me up towards $1500 out of pocket .. That is crazy !! Now I have a heavy and expensive paper weight in my driveway . I did some research on a couple of bmw forums to do some home work I couldn't believe the number of people with the same issue . The kicker is its a dealer part only . I have now choice but to go the dealership and be forced to pay premium prices for a defective part the is common to break . Its a sensor that is located in the steering column of the car that fails . Bmw designed the steering column to be one unit so I have to change out the whole column instead the effected problem which cost nothing in comparison. How is this my fault . Why do I have to pay this outrageous amount of money for something that is out of my hands .

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Steering · 41,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 bmw 335i. While driving approximately 15 MPH, the power steering seized without warning and the vehicle struck a curb. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician replaced all four tires, the front suspension, and rear axle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 41,000. ..updated 12/29/14

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Steering · 42,000 miles · OH

The vehicle steering wheel locked and the car would not start. A known and consistent problem for this vehicle, yet no recall. A faulty lock mechanism in the steering column could lead to a fatal accident. This is completely unacceptable.

Filed Mar 2, 2013 · Electrical, Steering · 80,427 miles · CA

Steering wheel lock sensor activated.

Filed Feb 27, 2013 · Steering · 105,000 miles · MA

Steering wheel lock engaged not while driving. Car was parked went to get in car and start it but nothing happened. Steering wheel lock is engaged. Turn steering wheel to start engine was the message that appeared on screen. Tried everything even called bmw dealership to ask for help. Tried everything they told me for hours. It still wont start. Needs to be towed to a dealership and fixed. Where the car wasn't moving when this happened this should be a recall. I should not have to pay for this because I have read many of forums and threads about steering wheel locks on 07 335i and having many problems. This needs to be fixed. Thankyou