Equipment recall 19E058000 · August 28, 2019
1996-2004 BMW 5 Series
The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
This is a recall of aftermarket equipment listed for the vehicles below. It applies only if the recalled part was installed on the vehicle.
- Summary
- ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The steering center rods may have an insufficient ball pin pull force that may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
- Consequence
- If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- ZF has notified the parts distributors, instructing them to inform the end customer. ZF will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began August 28, 2019.
- Notes
- Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 19E058000
- Reported to NHTSA
- August 28, 2019
- Filed by
- ZF North America, Inc.
- Owner notification
- August 28, 2019
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 614
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Steering › Linkages › Rod › Relay › Connecting
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
Has your BMW been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.