BMW X5 E70 (2006–2013)SteeringPower steeringFire risk
Power steering control unit: loss of assistance and fire risk (X5 E70 from 2011-2013) in the BMW X5 E70
Usually appears
No data
No reliable data published
Critical severityFrequency: RareRepair: Garage only
Why this rating?
Symptoms
- If the assistance fails, the steering wheel requires much more effort.[1][2]Heavy steering: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected years and cars
How much it costs to repair
Independent garage
No reliable data
Dealer
No reliable data
Includes: Replacement or inspection of the control unit at an official dealer.[1][2]
As a manufacturer recall, the inspection or replacement should be free at official dealers; we have not found a published quote.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
Recalls, campaigns and claims
RecallBMW · December 2016 · Ref. Safety Gate A12/1587/16
Electric power steering control unit
BMWs from 2011 to 2016, with the X5 among the types cited; Gebrauchtwagenberater.de limits one campaign to the E70 from April-May 2012.[1][2]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
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Other faults of the BMW X5 E70
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchxDrive transfer case failure on the X5 E70According to testimonies on fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70 transfer case accounts for 18 mentions out of 152 testimonies, with jerking during low-speed manoeuvres, vibrations and 4x4/DSC warnings, linked to neglected oil changes and wear of the internal clutch plates.
- Critical severityFrequency: RareBrakesOil in the brake servo damages the diaphragm and removes assistance (built 2006-2010)Yes: according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, BMW recalled X5s built from 2006 to 2010 because engine oil could enter the brake servo, damage its diaphragm and cause loss of brake assistance.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronics and infotainmentElectronic module and connector faults caused by moisture on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's electronics appear in 14 mentions out of 152 testimonies: DSC, ABS, airbag and cruise control faults, attributed to moisture and corroded connectors; one case cites a €1,300 module at around 90,000 km.
- High severityFrequency: RareAirbags and safetySeat belt buckle that may not release (X5 E70 from 2006-2007)Yes: according to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de and the KBA, on X5 E70s from 2006 and 2007 the seat belt buckle may not release, making it harder to get out of the car after an accident.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareSuspensionRear air suspension failure on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's rear air suspension can sag because of leaking air springs and level sensor faults, which overloads the compressor. The entry does not give the number of cases.
- Medium severityFrequency: RareBodywork and interiorLeaks and jamming of the panoramic sunroof on the X5 E70According to fiches-auto.fr, the X5 E70's panoramic sunroof can jam or leak because of blocked drain channels, wetting the floor and electrical modules. One testimony cites €2,000 for the replacement.
The faults of its engines are on the BMW X5 E70 page.
The same problem in other cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentVolkswagen Golf VIICorrosion of the steering rack boltYes: in September 2026 Volkswagen recalled Golfs built between 24 September 2013 and 1 July 2024 because a bolt joining the steering rack can corrode from road salt and compromise control of the car. The inspection and part replacement are free.Repair: €0
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonOpel Meriva APower steering faults and recall for the steering rack pinion (2007 units)Yes: fiches-auto.fr describes the power steering as 'a known problem of the brand' on the Meriva A, with pump failures and loss of assistance. In addition, the KBA recalled 748 units built in 2007 because the steering rack pinion might not be properly secured, with a risk of losing the ability to steer the car.
- 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: CommonFiat Punto IIElectric power steering motor and column failureYes: it is the most frequently cited non-mechanical fault on the fiches-auto.fr page (42 cases out of around 191 testimonials): the electric power steering motor or column fails and leaves the steering unassisted or intermittent.Appears at around 70,000 km
- High severityFrequency: CommonMINI Cooper R50Power steering rack and pump failureAccording to the reports collected by fiches-auto.fr, the steering on the Mini R50 is one of its most repeated faults: 27 mentions of a fragile rack (mostly before 2004) and another 27 of the power steering pump, with one pump case at 72,000 km.
All faults with the power steering (113)Cars with the most steering problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW X3/X5 (2011-2016): unidad de control de la dirección asistida (alerta A12/1587/16)car-recalls.eu (alertas Safety Gate UE) · Other source · consulted 29 October 2026
- BMW X5 E70 (2006-2013): Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 29 October 2026 · in German