BMW 5 Series Recall R/2017/274: Steering Rack Might Lock, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 21 Sep 2017
- Launched
- 3
- vehicles in the UK
- 0032580200
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 5 Series vehicles built between 11 August 2017 and 28 August 2017. If the retaining ring inside the steering gear has not been fitted correctly the sealing cap would not be fixed axially and might start moving. The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to fit a new steering rack and ensure it is programmed correctly. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
If the retaining ring inside the steering gear has not been fitted correctly the sealing cap would not be fixed axially and might start moving. If the sealing cap has moved the ball return channel would not be fixed anymore and might move out of position possibly resulting in a ball jam accompanied by an extensively increased steering force and possibly lock.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: STEERING RACK MIGHT LOCK Defect: If the retaining ring inside the steering gear has not been fitted correctly the sealing cap would not be fixed axially and might start moving. If the sealing cap has moved the ball return channel would not be fixed anymore and might move out of position possibly resulting in a ball jam accompanied by an extensively increased steering force and possibly lock. Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to fit a new steering rack and ensure it is programmed correctly.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could result in a ball jam accompanied by an extensively increased steering force and possibly lock.
The Fix
The recall notice describes the fix as: that are likely to be affected to fit a new steering rack and ensure it is programmed correctly.
Are You Affected?
5 Series built between 11 August 2017 and 28 August 2017 may be included. BMW estimates 3 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 campaign code 0032580200 or the DVSA reference R/2017/274. 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 | |
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 5 SeriesProgram control units (CoC documents) | Low | R/2026/075 | |
| 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 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2017/244 on 1 Sep 2017, for front seat fixing mechanism may be insecure. The one launched after it was R/2017/258 on 2 Oct 2017, for the emergency locking retractor (elr) in the front seat belt assemblies may be faulty. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2017 and steering recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2017/274, launched 21 September 2017. 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.