SITUATION Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction. 1. A one-time thump sound at the start of movement Shortly after the steering column starts moving, retracting, or extending, a one-time thump noise is heard. See attached video V32 03 23 2. Humming noise while steering column extends in the axial direction. The sound is only heard when the steering column is extended, not when the steering column is retracted. When the steering column starts to move in the extended direction, the humming noise can be heard. See attached video V32 04 23
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2022 BMW X5 steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2022 BMW X5 have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 X5 | 18 |
| 2021 X5 | 3 |
| 2022 X5 (this page) | 4 |
| 2024 X5 | 3 |
| 2025 X5 | 3 |
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
?Unusual noises occur only when operating the steering column in the axial direction.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗When turning the steering wheel while stationary or when driving on uneven roads; cracking, creaking, or knocking noises may be heard.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗A groaning type noise is heard during the height adjustment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The saved steering column positions, vertical and horizontal, are not stored long term.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I put my car in reverse this evening and the screen kept clicking and unclick the back up assistance button. The steering wheel was moving on its own. I was not controlling it. The brakes were hard and I could not press down more than 1/5-1/4 of the way. The car was not in my control. After an hour on the phone with support and reporting the issues they advised they would tow it. I was able to…
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2022 BMW X5?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 4 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.