BMW X3, X4 Steering Rack Pinion May Break
high How serious is it? About this label
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 19V738000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Oct 16, 2019 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Steering:rack And Pinion:pinion Shaft |
| Vehicles covered | 2 model/year combinations, model years 2020 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
BMW is recalling certain 2020 X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. Inside the steering system, there is a rack and pinion, and the teeth on the pinion gear may break while the vehicle is under load. If the pinion teeth break, the driver could lose control of the vehicle's steering, meaning the steering wheel would no longer properly turn the wheels.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer; you can also call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
3. The steering gear will be replaced free of charge.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 19V738000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- BMW Steering Recalls Involving Loose Connections and Unexpected Wheel Movement · all 10 BMW recalls in this area
Other BMW X3 recalls
- Aug 12, 2026BMW X3 Steering Spindle May Be Loosehigh
- Jan 30, 2026BMW, Toyota Supra: Engine Starter May Catch Firecritical
- Dec 11, 2025BMW X3 Steering Wheel May Move Unexpectedlyhigh
- Sep 23, 2025BMW and Toyota Supra Starter Relay Fire Riskcritical
- Apr 16, 2025BMW X3 Front Brake Discs Damaged in Transporthigh
- Apr 1, 2025BMW 430i, X3 Starter Connection May Loosencritical
Official notice
- Component
- STEERING:RACK AND PINION:PINION SHAFT
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i 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 has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 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.