BMW 7 Series Recall R/2003/043: Possible Fluid Leak From Power Steering, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 28 Feb 2003
- Launched
- 1,627
- vehicles in the UK
- R/2003/043
- DVSA reference
BMW recalled 7 Series vehicles. The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. The dealer will check union bolts for signs of leakage. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. Leaking oil could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: POSSIBLE FLUID LEAK FROM POWER STEERING Defect: The threaded unions on the pressure lines for the power steering gear may not have been sufficiently tightened and could leak oil. Leaking oil could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components. Remedy: Check union bolts for signs of leakage. If leaks are found at either of the unions the steering gear will be replaced. If no leaks are found the union bolts will be checked for correct torque.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause the power steering system to fail and in extreme cases escaping oil could ignite on hot engine components.
The Fix
The dealer will check union bolts for signs of leakage.
Are You Affected?
7 Series may be included. BMW estimates 1,627 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the DVSA reference R/2003/043. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, 7 Series - High Security and 2 moreChecking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness | Urgent | R/2026/092 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 | |
| 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series and 5 moreHydraulic brake system unit replacement | Urgent | R/2024/414 | |
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, M5Replace double universal joint (Steering) | Urgent | R/2024/409 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series Active, 5 Series, 5 Series Touring and 10 moreIntegrated braking system | Urgent | R/2024/383 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2003/039 on 24 Feb 2003, for seat belt tensioners. The one launched after it was R/2003/169 on 1 Nov 2003, for unintentional deployment of airbag. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2003 and fire risk recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2003/043, launched 28 February 2003. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.