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 NHTSA 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 NHTSA.gov 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.
NHTSA complaint #11716516 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I haven’t even had my bmw 335i 2013 with 84000 miles on it yet for more than 8 months but somehow for some reason my electronic power steering rack has gone out twice in the span of 5 months.this is a issue. Everytime I’m getting on or off on ramps and taking the turns and curves at 35-40 mph then when you go to let your wheel slide through your hands so you can continue going straight is supposed to be smooth and effortless I shouldn’t have to worry about my life everytime I drive a car because the [XXX] wheel wants to snap back to the center angle at Mach 7 speed. The steering wheel feels loose when I’m driving straight and is heavy when I turn. Even going over bumps it will just start to pull to that side the bump was on its hard to even switch lanes cause I have to fight with my steering wheel. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11690282 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car Hydroplaned while driving on the interstate, spun out of control and slammed into a tree in the rear end. My son was going approximately 65 mph and upon impact no airbags deployed and the steering wheel was in his hands after impact. His seat broke and collapsed into a laying position. His head sustained a huge blow to the interior side of the car in addition to another head injury in the front, a fractured wrist and multiple bruises along with a sore neck & back. The insurance adjuster saw the car and could not believe the steering wheel came completely detached in addition to no airbags deployed. My son is [XXX] ” and weighs [XXX]. I would have expected from his body weight alone the side airbag deploying. The car is totaled beyond repair. The car had no warnings or indicators regarding faulty airbags or steering issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11545689 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently was advised by BMW that my valve cover had a leak as well as a rear axle. I feel that after only 8 years and less than 80,000 miles those component should NOT be failing so soon. My biggest complaint is that I recently had my power steering system completely fail on me. I was able to limp my car home and turn it off to let it sit for 15 minutes which the dealer recommended. I started the car back up and it has been working fine. The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that I should have the entire system replaced for a little under $6,000. My largest concern is that the steering system is going to give out when my wife is driving the car or when we are hundreds of miles away from a dealer to fix it. The aggravating portion of this is that there is a recall for this issue on 2015-2017 SUV's and the 4 series (Recall 16v-704) and BMW will not cover the costs for repairs. I'm currently talking with BMW North America to see if their good will repair program will cover it but I still believe that the electric steering should not go out after only 8 years and less than 80,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11508001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My car randomly stiffens steering in a turn which made me nearly hit a parked car and lit up a warning light stating “Drive Moderately”. The car recently also began to have symptoms of clunking and grinding when turning the wheel at low speeds. While this issue has recently arrises, my forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning safety features turned off completely i'm assuming as a result of the issue. The car also clunks and makes the same noise when turning the wheel side to side if the car is completely shut off as well. I’ve been referenced to SIB 01 26 18 and contacted both a BMW Service Center & BMW NA. Both tell me my car suffers from no symptoms, issues, and/or recalls; I tried to argue the fact that it clearly states that the page was more of a reference for models instead of an exact recall. One of the service technicians tried to explain to me my car was manufactured in June instead of May which is the “cut-off” date. I feel unsafe in the car, BMW refuses to recall the EPS Steering Electronic Motor and its assembly. They instead call it more of an issue.
NHTSA complaint #11492354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Earlier this year in February I have replaced the alternator and some other major part right after purchasing from dealership and i have seen all the other recent recalls for the vehicle also it appears to have recalls that have not been worked on by manufacture . there also were no signs that came on also the wheel tightened up and stopped on me out of no where while driving. this being the second time this has happened as on new years i was on the freeway on my way home and the car did the same when i first replaced the alternator
NHTSA complaint #11421040 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WENT TO START MY CAR AND THERE WAS A RED WARNING LIGHT THAT IS A STEERING WHEEL WITH A PADLOCK. I AM NOT ABLE TO START MY CAR OR DO ANYTHING WITH IT FOR THAT MATTER, SO I AM STUCK. THANK GOODNESS I WAS HOME AND PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY OR WORSE, DRIVING AND IT LOCK ON ME! SO NOW I AM STUCK WITHOUT A CAR AND HARD TELLING WHAT ITS GOING TO COST ME! IVE BEEN READING THAT A LOT OF OTHER PEOPLE ARE HAVING OR HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE.
NHTSA complaint #11389998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
PROBLEMS WITH EPS RACK. CAR HAS NEVER BEEN IN ANY ACCIDENTS. SITS AT 56,000 MILES WITH NO OTHER PROBLEMS. WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL RIGHT AND LEFT THEIR IS A LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES VERY STIFF.
NHTSA complaint #11329754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
MY REAR LEFT BRAKE CALIPER STARTED SHOOTING OUT BRAKE FLUID FROM WITHIN THE MIDDLE. I HAVE AN ATE CALIPER. THIS COVERS MODELS FROM ABOUT 2006-2014. ON BIMMERFEST.COM, E90POST.COM, ETC . . . MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS PROBLEM. ON ROCKAUTO, AUTOZONE, ETC . . . THE PREMIUM RECOMMENDED REPLACEMENT IS TO GET A CALIPER FOR THE REAR THAT HAS NO PHENOLIC PISTON, YET, INSTEAD HAS A SOLID METAL PISTON. UNTO THE WORST, AT TIMES, THE PHENOLIC PISTON HAS EJECTED FROM THE CALIPER AND JAMMED THE BRAKE PADS TO THE VERY ROTORS. ATE CALIPERS ARE OFTEN USED AS SINGLE OR DUAL PIN BOOTED CALIPERS ON BENZ. THEY ALWAYS HAVE METAL PISTONS. I HAVE PREMIUM BRAKES. MY ROTORS ARE UNHARMED, MY BRAKE PADS ARE UNHARMED. THERE IS NOT A SCRATCH IN MY ROTOR. MY WHEEL BEARING IS GONE. MY SUSPENSION IS GONE.MY SUB FRAME IS GONE. IT FLATTENED MY TIRE. IT MADE ME SLIDE COMING OUT OF A TURN AT 15-18MPH. MY SPEEDOMETER BEGAN WAVERING UP AND DOWN, I GOT A TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT FOR THE DISC. IT SLID INTO THE SIDE OF A CURB. THE CURB HAS NOT A MARK ON IT. MY CAR HAS ONLY PAINT DAMAGE TO LOWER DRIVER SIDE SKIRT. AND SMALL SCRATCH ON THE FRONT LEFT QUARTER PANEL. WHILE WE ARE AT IT, WHY IS THERE NO REGULATION THAT A HUGE H8 OR T8 SIZED BATTERY NOT BE PLACED UNDER THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT WHERE THE CHILD SEAT GOES? YOUR CHILD IS SITTING ON A HUGE PILE OF SULFURIC ACID. THEY ARE SEALED, BUT THEY COOK AND SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS OFTEN. ANOTHER BAD DESIGN. THEY DID THAT FOR YEARS. IT NEEDS TO GO IN THE TRUNK OR SOMEWHERE ELSE. THAT'S TERRIBLE! IT HAS HIGH PRESSURE EXTERNAL DFI, AND A CENTERED FUEL TANK. THE YEARS OF THE DODGE AND LAMBO LP TRIAL AND ERROS ALL COMBINED. IT'S REALLY BAD. I HAVE ME CALLING THE POLICE TO FILE A REPORT. THEY DENIED SHOWING TO THE SCENE. I HAVE THE CALLS RECORDED. I FILED AN ACCIDENT REPORT WITH THE TN DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; AND I HAVE A CERTIFIED MAIL RECEIPT. NO ONE ELSE INVOLVED. 12:31*DT
NHTSA complaint #11325908 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I WAS DRIVING AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD NOT STEER, AND THE POWER WAS GONE; IT WAS BARELY MOVING; AND THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE WITH DIMINISHED SPEED. I WAS CLOSE TO HOME ON AN ACCESS ROAD; AND WAS ABLE TO LIMP HOME. IT WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL. I TOOK IT TO GLOBAL BMW IN METRO ATLANTA; AND PAID CLOSE TO $3000 FOR REPAIRS. APPROXIMATELY A MONTH LATER I HAD A PROBLEM AGAIN. THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STATED ENGINE MALFUNCTION; REDUCED POWER, PROCEED WITH CAUTION. IN DOING RESEARCH THIS MORNING; I DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY VEHICLE FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM. I DID NOT KNOW IT; BUT GLOBAL BMW HAD TO KNOW IT. I CALLED BMW RECALL AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY ARE WAITING ON THE PARTS. THIS RECALL HAS BEEN IN EFFECT SINCE 2010; SO THEY MUST HAVE THE PARTS. MOST OF THE LAWSUITS WERE SETTLED OUT OF COURT WITH A GAG ORDER; SO IT APPEARS THAT BMW DON'T RESPOND UNLESS THERE IS A FORMAL COMPLAINT; AND THIS IS THE REASON FOR THIS COMPLAINT WITH YOUR OFFICE. I WILL APPRECIATE ANY ASSISTANCE THAT YOU MAY PROVIDE.
NHTSA complaint #11121587 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
CAR IN GARAGE INSERTED KEY CAR DEAD. NOTHING WORKED. ALL ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DOWN. UNABLE TO OPEN TRUNK TO CHECK BATTERY.CALLED WRECKER SERVICE JUMP STARTED CAR INSTANTLY FROM UNDER HOOD.MECHANIC CHECKED CAR NO PROBLEMS FOUND. FOUND: PROBLEM BMW RECALL SAFETY UK . EXACT SAME PROBLEM SAYS CAR CAN SHUT DOWN IN MOTION.
NHTSA complaint #11109984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SERPENTINE DRIVE BELT BROKE DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING, POWER STEERING IMMEDIATELY LOST. BELT REPLACED; AFTER 2000 MILES BELT WAS FOUND TO BE FRAYED AND SEVERELY WORN. BELT WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME. BELT THEN BROKE A THIRD TIME AFTER 8000 WHILE DRIVING, SAME CONDITIONS AND SYMPTOMS. DIAGNOSED AS DAMAGE TO THE DRIVE BELT AND POWER STEERING PULLEY DUE TO INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE WITH THE FRONT SUBFRAME. BMW HAS HAD A TSB FOR THE ISSUE SINCE 2008 (SI B11 09 08) FOR ALL E90 SERIES WITH N54 ENGINES (135I, 335I) UP TO 04/08 PRODUCTION; RECOMMENDED REPAIR FOR VEHICLES THAT HAD SUBFRAME CONTACT WITH THE PULLEY IS TO REPLACE FRONT SUBFRAME WITH UPDATED PART -- NO WARRANTY EXTENSION OR RECALL AT PRESENT FOR AFFECTED VEHICLES, COVERED UNDER NEW WARRANTY ONLY. OWNER EVENTUALLY REPLACED SUBFRAME WITH UPDATED ONE OUT OF POCKET.
NHTSA complaint #11023620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE SHUT OFF LOSS OF POWER STEERING LOSS OF ABILITY TO ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING ON 7/27/17, OUR 2011 BMW 335I'S ABILITY TO ACCELERATE STOPPED, RPM INCREASED BUT STILL IN DRIVE NOT IN NEUTRAL. DURING LOSS OF ACCELERATE, POWER STEERING FAILED AND WAS UNABLE TO PULL OFF SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A BUSY CITY STREET. HAD TO PUT ON HAZARDS IN MIDDLE OF STREET.
NHTSA complaint #11011256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I RECIEVED AN ERROR MESSAGE WHILE DRIVING A RED STEERING WHEEL WITH A PADOCK WITH THE FEAR OF SOMETHING HAPPENING AS I HAD MY UNDERAGE SON IN THE CAR DECIDED TO STOP AND CHECK THE CODE WHICH READ CCID 186 AFTER RESEARCHING AND FINDING OUT THIS IS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THE 3 SERIES I AM VERY DISSAPOINTED WITH THE AMMOUNT OF CLAIMS THIS SHOULD BE COVERED BY BMW AS IT IS OVER 1.5K TO FIX OUT OF WARRANTY .
NHTSA complaint #10994253 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #10954231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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/
NHTSA complaint #10865731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE VEHICLE STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH. (VIDEO WAS TAKEN) THE OIL PRESSURE DROPPED, A BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT FLASHED, THE POWER STEERING WENT OUT, AND THE VEHICLE LOST SPEED. I ALMOST WREAKED. I CHECKED MY STEERING WHEEL FLUID AND IT WAS BROWN, AN INDICATION TO ME THE POWER STEERING PUMP WENT OUT. A BELT ALSO SNAPPED. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT BMW IS TELLING ME DOES NOT COVER THE A/C COMPRESSOR. I AM BEING TOLD THAT IN ORDER FOR BMW OF FRESNO TO MAKE A PROPER ASSESSMENT OF THE STEERING ISSUE I FIRST HAVE TO REPLACE THE A/C COMPRESSOR AT $2535.34. AS A FLEET MANAGER, I KNOW MY CHAIN IS BEING YANKED.
NHTSA complaint #10846503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION "REDUCED POWER " MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF , LOW ENGINE OIL MESSAGE KEEPS COMING ON EVEN THOUGH ITS GOOD ON OIL , THE STEERING WHEEL WAS HARD TO TURN WHILE I WAS DRIVING CAUSING ME TO HAVE TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AND THE STEERING WAS OK AFTER THAT. IT'S CURRENTLY BEING LOOKED AT MY THE DEALER WHERE I PURCHASED IT ONLY 3 MONTHS AGO.
NHTSA complaint #10724891 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.