Unintended Steering Wheel Movement

Affected vehicles (1)

Component / system

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.

Risk / consequence

Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

Remedy

The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning February 2, 2026.

Chronology of events

1. Aug 22, 2025

   On August 22, 2025, during vehicle startup at a vehicle assembly plant, unexpected steering wheel movement occurred on a BMW X3.

2. On September 1st, an engineering review was initiated. In mid-September, a dealer delivery stop and an assembly plant hold was released. A comprehensive review of field data was initiated. One field case (during vehicle startup) occurred in September.

3. On October 2nd, a field case, in which unexpected steering movement occurred, involved a vehicle in drive mode (but at standstill). Arrangements were made for the steering rack to be removed from the vehicle and sent to the supplier for analysis.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

Dec 11, 2025 - Dec 11, 2025 No Dealers

Owner notification

Feb 02, 2026 - Feb 02, 2026 Phased Recall