The method for detecting a position error of an electronically commutated actuator drive between an assumed position and an actual position of the actuator drive includes performing a position control procedure for the position of the actuator drive. The method further includes providing data with regard to the assumed position of the actuator drive. The method further includes forming an electric space vector value to generate a component of a stator magnetic field that extends parallel with a direction of an exciter magnetic field that prevails in the case of the assumed position of the actuator drive. The method further includes detecting whether a movement of the actuator drive has occurred as a result of generating the component of the exciter magnetic field.