BMW X5 and X7 steering gear teeth may break
critical How serious is it? About this label
Very serious — losing steering control while driving is one of the most dangerous failures a vehicle can have, so get this done right away even though the notice does not order owners to park the vehicle.
What's wrong, in plain English
The steering rack is the part that turns your front wheels when you turn the wheel. Inside it, a small gear meshes with a toothed bar. On these vehicles those gear teeth can break when they are under load, for example while you are turning. If they break, the steering wheel stops turning the front wheels and you lose steering control. Dealers replace the entire steering rack at no charge to you, and the recall started in August 2019.
What you should do
2. Call a BMW dealer immediately to schedule the free steering rack replacement.
3. Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if a dealer cannot see you soon.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- Why do so many BMW models have steering recalls? · all 10 BMW recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- STEERING:RACK AND PINION:RACK
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i and X7 M50i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
- Safety risk
- A loss of steering control increases risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering rack, free of charge. The recall began August 21, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.