BMW Recollects 36,922 X3s Over Steering Software program Glitch

BMW is launching a voluntary security recall protecting 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 autos in whole, together with the X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive, constructed between August 14, 2024 and October 20, 2025.

What’s the difficulty?

Based on BMW, the issue is tied to the steering system software program, which “will not be sufficiently strong.” The priority entails the steering torque sensor, which has two channels. If a kind 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 could not detect the situation accurately. In these uncommon conditions, BMW says unintended steering wheel motion could happen.

Regardless that incidents have reportedly occurred solely when the car was stationary, BMW notes that sudden steering motion may nonetheless improve the chance of a crash and/or harm, primarily as a result of it could startle the driving force or occur at an unpredictable second. BMW says it’s not conscious of any accidents or accidents related to the difficulty.

How Was The Challenge 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 area knowledge. One area 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 area circumstances that occurred in October and November have been additionally included within the evaluation. By late November, extra outcomes have been obtainable. 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 of through the engineering evaluate.

What homeowners ought to anticipate

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 autos ought to finally obtain an up to date steering system software program calibration. In the event you personal a 2025 or 2026 X3, particularly an X3 30 xDrive or X3 M50 xDrivepreserve a watch 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 discover for added particulars.