BMW is launching a voluntary security recall overlaying sure 2025–2026 BMW X3 fashions after figuring out a software program weak point within the steering system that, in uncommon circumstances, can result in unintended steering wheel motion whereas the car is stationary. The recall impacts 36,922 automobiles in complete, together with the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive, constructed between August 14, 2024 and October 20, 2025.
What’s the difficulty?
In line with BMW, the issue is tied to the steering system software program, which “might not be sufficiently strong.” The priority includes the steering torque sensor, which has two channels. If a type of channels malfunctions whereas the car is at a standstill—both throughout startup, or whereas in drive mode however not shifting—the software program diagnostics might not detect the situation accurately. In these uncommon conditions, BMW says unintended steering wheel motion might happen.
Although incidents have reportedly occurred solely when the car was stationary, BMW notes that sudden steering motion might nonetheless enhance the chance of a crash and/or harm, primarily as a result of it could startle the motive force or occur at an unpredictable second. BMW says it’s not conscious of any accidents or accidents linked to the difficulty.
How Was The Difficulty Found
BMW’s inner timeline reveals the primary notable incident occurred on August 22, 2025, when sudden steering wheel motion was noticed throughout car startup at an meeting plant. An engineering evaluate was opened on September 1. Because the investigation continued, BMW initiated a broader evaluate of subject knowledge. One subject case throughout startup was recorded in September. On October 2, a separate case concerned sudden steering motion whereas the car was in drive mode however nonetheless at a standstill. BMW organized for the steering rack to be eliminated and despatched to the provider for evaluation.
BMW then reviewed provider manufacturing information in early October to assist decide the scope, whereas further subject circumstances that occurred in October and November have been additionally included within the evaluation. By late November, extra outcomes have been out there. On December 4, 2025, BMW determined—“in an abundance of warning”—to proceed with a voluntary security recall.
BMW says it grew to become conscious of roughly 21 circumstances which may be associated to the difficulty between August 22 and December 4, and people have been thought-about through the engineering evaluate.
What homeowners ought to count on
BMW’s schedule requires:
- Seller notification starting and ending on December 11, 2025
- Proprietor notification starting and ending on February 2, 2026
The recall documentation factors to a software-related correction, that means impacted automobiles ought to in the end obtain an up to date steering system software program calibration. Should you personal a 2025 or 2026 X3, particularly an X3 30 xDrive or X3 M50 xDrive, hold an eye fixed out for the official discover early subsequent yr and plan to finish the treatment as soon as BMW begins rolling it out. Right here is the NHTSA notice for added particulars.
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