The invention relates to a method of detecting external impacts in vehicle steering systems (12) which include a rotatable steering shaft (16) and a servomotor (22) for generating a steering assist torque, the method including the steps of: (a) continuously measuring a first characteristic; (b) continuously measuring a second characteristic; (c) forming tuples of characteristics at least from a measured value of the first characteristic and a simultaneously picked up measured value of the second characteristic; (d) comparing the tuples of characteristics of step (c) with a predetermined normal operating range (36) of a multidimensional characteristic diagram (34) which is defined at least by the first characteristic and the second characteristic; and (e) storing a tuple of characteristics of step (c) and/or triggering an alarm signal if this tuple of characteristics from step (c) is outside the normal operating range (36).