Campaign 25V-857

While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur

Defect summary

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

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.

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 25V857000. Text as published by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered

One product line is covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about steering on these vehicles: 13, of which 2 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 25V-857
Make	Model	Model years	Complaints on this component
BMW	X3	2025 to 2026	13

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.

Investigation

No NHTSA investigation is linked to this recall

Most recalls are started by the manufacturer. This one lists "Manufacturer" as its origin.

Before the recall

3 service bulletins on this component came first

Distinct manufacturer communications on the same component group, make, model and model year in the 24 months before the report date.

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications file.

Service bulletins

26V-524 Aug 12, 2026
Steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column
25V-194 Mar 27, 2025
Steering damper may have a loose valve pin within the housing, which can cause an unexpected increase in steering effort
24V-714 Sep 25, 2024
Steering spindle may break requiring a greater steering effort to control the vehicle
23V-770 Nov 16, 2023
Steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen
21V-031 Jan 29, 2021
Steering column shaft's universal joint connection may not have been tightened to specifications, and can become loose
20V-434 Jul 28, 2020
Steering column shaft bearing plate may not have been properly attached to the vehicle, allowing it to loosen