Two BMW electric sedans are being recalled over steering components that could break, requiring more effort to turn the wheel.
The recall includes 202 BMW i5 sedans from model years 2024 and 2025 and just 21 BMW i7 sedans, all 2024 models, plus non-electric versions of both. The recalled vehicles may have steering spindles manufactured with specifications that "may not have been appropriate for the application," according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
2024 BMW i7 M70
In certain situations, the the swivel socket of the spindle's double universal joint could break, resulting in an unexpected increase in steering effort required to properly steer the vehicle, according to the NHTSA. If this occurs, drivers may notice a noise coming from the steering column, as well as "changes in the steering behavior," recall documents said.
A sudden increase in required steering effort can make it harder to avoid a crash, but BMW told the NHTSA that it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to this issue, nor is it aware of any related warranty claims or customer complaints. The automaker said it first became aware of the problem when damaged steering spindles were noticed at assembly plants.
2025 BMW i5
Dealers will replace the affected double universal joints, free of charge. BMW plans to mail owner notification letters November 15. Owners can also contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for more information.
The i5 and i7 are all-electric versions of BMW's 5-Series and 7-Series sedans, respectively, sharing body shells and most non-powertrain components with their combustion-engine counterparts. This reflects a recent strategy by BMW to focus on electric versions of its existing models, one that the automaker is shifting away from with its upcoming Neue Klasse EVs, which will be based on a dedicated architecture.
