NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

BMW of X3 recall: While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement

Recall published 11 months ago

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

The hazard: Steering or suspension defect

The recall covers a chassis component — steering gear, tie rod, knuckle or joint — that can loosen or fracture in service.

What the notice says: Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

Why it matters: A steering or suspension component may separate, loosen or fail. The result is a partial or total loss of steering control, typically without warning and often at speed.

Recall details

Recall number
25V857000
Published
December 11, 2025
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
BMW of
Product type
Steering
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
BMW X3
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 25V857000

Products covered by this recall

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

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 1 code you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • X3

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Steering

BMW of — The recall covers a chassis component — steering gear, tie rod, knuckle or joint — that can loosen or fracture in service.

  1. Have this looked at soon. If the steering has felt loose, vague or noisy, stop driving the vehicle and call the dealer rather than driving it in.
  2. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.
  3. Call any franchised dealer for the brand, give them the campaign number from this page, and ask them to confirm parts are in stock before you book — part supply, not labour, is what delays a fresh recall.
  4. Describe any clunking, wandering, uneven tyre wear or a steering wheel that is no longer centred — these point to a component that has already started to move.

Getting the repair booked and paid for

The money side of a vehicle recall is simple. The scheduling side is where people lose weeks.

  • Ask whether the parts are physically in stock before you accept a date. A booking without parts is a wasted morning.
  • If the dealer says the remedy is not yet available, ask to be put on their notification list and get that in writing by email.
  • Where the manufacturer has issued an interim measure — park outside, do not drive, a software limiter — follow it until the full remedy is done.
  • Reimbursement claims for earlier out-of-pocket repairs go to the manufacturer, not the dealer, and need the original itemised invoice.

Remedy named in the notice: 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.

Company contact: BMW of North America, LLC

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was BMW of steering recalled?

While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur. Unintended steering wheel movement while the vehicle is stationary increases the risk of an injury and on the road, a crash.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

Have this looked at soon. If the steering has felt loose, vague or noisy, stop driving the vehicle and call the dealer rather than driving it in.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: 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.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

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