Problems with the steering rack and column on BMW: affected models and engines

In 12 models from BMW there are 12 documented faults with the steering rack and column. The most important: electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failure, steering rack and power steering pump failure and play and tight spots in the steering rack.

Reviewed on 29 October 2026How we work

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the BMW models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 1 F20Electric power steering (EPS) and steering rack failureIt is a known fault: gebrauchtwagenberater.de says that electric power steering (EPS) problems are 'not rare' on the F20, and fiches-auto.fr collects owner reports of lost assistance (a worn cable) and steering rack replacement at around 110,000 km, plus a 2016 recall for a soldering defect in the control unit.
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW Serie 3 E90Steering rack and power steering pump failureIt is one of the faults owners cite most: fiches-auto.fr describes failures of the steering rack (sometimes locked) and of the power steering pump, mainly on the 318i and 320d, with steering columns replaced for €800-1,200 or a reprogramming for around €200-250 in France.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW X3 F25Play and tight spots in the steering rackAccording to reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the X3 F25's steering rack is the most-cited non-engine problem: knocking, play and a tight spot near the centre of the steering wheel, with racks replaced from around 48,000 km and some owners having several replacements.Appears at around 48,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW X1 F48Steering track rod without spherical washer: possible rack breakage (built 2016-2019)Yes, there was a recall: in X1 units built between August 2016 and April 2019 a spherical washer was missing from the steering rack track rod end, which could break from wear and cause loss of control.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW X2 F39Steering ball joint without washer: possible rack fracture (2017-2019 production)Yes: X2 units built between November 2017 and April 2019 were recalled because a spherical washer was missing from the steering ball joint, which could break the part and cause loss of control. The KBA refers to excessive wear of the outer track rods.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBMW Z4 G29Fatigue fracture of the steering coupling rodYes: in 2020 an EU alert was issued that the steering coupling rod on certain Z4s built between 27/08/2018 and 01/08/2019 may break from vibration fatigue.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW Serie 6 E63/E64Active steering (AFS) faultThe active steering on the E63/E64 can trigger a fault warning and, according to Gebrauchtwagenberater, shift the steering wheel position by up to 90 degrees.
- High severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 2 F22Play and noise in the steering rackAccording to the testimonials collected by fiches-auto.fr, one owner reports play and noise in the steering rack, and another with a 235i mentions it as a recurring problem. No official campaign is on record.
- High severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 5 G30Wear or failure of the electric steering rackThere are documented cases of electric steering rack failure on the 5 Series G30: gebrauchtwagenberater.de reports its replacement in a long-distance endurance test by BILD magazine, and fiches-auto.fr records a similar case on a 2017 540i.
- High severityFrequency: RareBMW X6 E71Wear of the steering rack and power steering pump on the X6 E71According to fiches-auto.fr, the X6 E71's power steering appears in 2 mentions: heavy steering and play in the steering rack. One testimony cites €3,700 for replacing the rack at 110,000 km, and fatigue of the electric pump is mentioned.Appears at around 110,000 km
- Low severityFrequency: RareBMW Serie 5 F10Car pulls to one side from the steering rack on the older 5 Series F10Gebrauchtwagenberater.de indicates that some F10s built up to 2011 pull constantly to the right despite repeated wheel alignment, and that only replacing the steering rack fixes it.
- Low severityFrequency: RareBMW X1 E84Creaking from the steering column cross-joint on the X1 E84Gebrauchtwagenberater.de notes that a defective steering column cross-joint can produce creaks when manoeuvring or with the steering wheel at full lock, mainly on the older X1s.

By BMW model

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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the steering rack and column do BMW cars have?

Which BMW models have the most problems with the steering rack and column?

BMW Serie 6 E63/E64 (1 fault), BMW Serie 3 E90 (1 fault), BMW X6 E71 (1 fault) and BMW X1 E84 (1 fault).