BMW X3 steering wheel may turn by itself
high How serious is it? About this label
Serious — the steering wheel moving on its own can injure you and can lead to a crash while driving, though BMW does not tell owners to stop driving.
What's wrong, in plain English
BMW says the steering wheel in these X3s can rotate on its own while the vehicle is sitting still, with nobody turning it. That unexpected movement can injure someone whose hands are on or near the wheel, and BMW warns it also creates a crash risk out on the road. The fix is an update to the steering system software. BMW can send the update to the vehicle wirelessly, or a dealer can install it for you at no cost.
What you should do
2. Accept the over-the-air software update if your X3 offers it, or book a dealer visit.
3. Call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 with questions — the update is free.
Affected vehicles (1)
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:STEERING CONTROL MODULE
- 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.
- Safety risk
- 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.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.