What steering problems are common on the 2007 BMW 3 Series?

NHTSA data shows 15 steering-related complaints, mostly describing the electronic steering column lock (ELV) failing and preventing the car from starting, at a median mileage of 80,784.

Is there a recall for the 2007 BMW 3 Series steering lock?

No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this steering issue, even though owners describe it as a recurring problem.

How serious are these steering complaints?

Of the 15 steering complaints, one involved a crash and one involved an injury, tied to a separate report of a power steering pulley contacting the axle carrier.

How common are steering complaints compared to other 2007 3 Series issues?

Steering complaints make up 13% of all 115 complaints filed for the 2007 BMW 3 Series, one of the higher shares among reported problem areas.

2007 BMW 3 Series Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 15 steering complaints for the 2007 BMW 3 Series, 13% of its 115 total complaints that year. Almost all describe the electronic steering lock (ELV) failing, leaving the car unable to start, with a median failure mileage of 80,784. No related recalls are on file.

Steering complaints: 15; 13% of 115 complaints
All complaints this year: 115
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 80,784 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

A red steering-wheel-with-padlock warning light appears on the dash, and the car will not start afterward.
Owners describe the electronic steering column lock (ELV) engaging and refusing to release, stranding the vehicle even with a fully charged battery.
Several drivers report the issue recurring more than once on the same car after a temporary fix.
Some owners could not shift into neutral to tow the car once the steering lock activated.
One driver reported a power steering pulley contacting the axle carrier, which they said caused a drive belt to break and led to a crash and an injury.
Multiple owners said dealers described the ELV failure as a common, recognized problem despite no official recall.

When 2007 BMW 3 Series steering complaints were filed

First complaint Nov 23, 2011, latest Nov 14, 2017.

15 complaints filed with NHTSA from Nov 2011 to Nov 2017; peak Feb 2012 (2).

Steering recalls for the 2007 BMW 3 Series

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by 3 Series model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20050 (0%)
200624 (12%)
200715 (13%)
20082 (3%)
20093 (6%)
20100 (0%)
20110 (0%)
20121 (14%)
20130 (0%)
20230 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

What steering problems are common on the 2007 BMW 3 Series?: NHTSA data shows 15 steering-related complaints, mostly describing the electronic steering column lock (ELV) failing and preventing the car from starting, at a median mileage of 80,784.
Is there a recall for the 2007 BMW 3 Series steering lock?: No related recalls are listed in the NHTSA data for this steering issue, even though owners describe it as a recurring problem.
How serious are these steering complaints?: Of the 15 steering complaints, one involved a crash and one involved an injury, tied to a separate report of a power steering pulley contacting the axle carrier.
How common are steering complaints compared to other 2007 3 Series issues?: Steering complaints make up 13% of all 115 complaints filed for the 2007 BMW 3 Series, one of the higher shares among reported problem areas.