BMW is recalling 13 X3 vehicles after a customer outside the U.S. reported that the steering wheel on a 2025 X3 could be turned with unusually little effort. The complaint triggered an engineering investigation and production audit that identified a manufacturing deviation affecting the steering spindle-to-column connection.
BMW Investigation Began With One Customer Complaint
The investigation began on July 15, 2026, after a non-U.S. customer told a BMW dealer that the X3’s steering wheel felt unusually light and could be turned without the expected resistance.
BMW inspected the vehicle but found no damage to the steering system. The affected part was then sent for additional analysis, which also found no issue with the hardware itself. BMW subsequently reviewed how the vehicle had been assembled.
Production Review Identified 13 Affected Vehicles
BMW’s review of assembly and production records found that a deviation in the manufacturing process could cause the steering spindle to be attached to the column outside of specification.
The production data allowed BMW to identify the affected vehicles and production dates. The recall covers 13 vehicles built between August 7, 2023, and February 7, 2026. BMW decided to issue the recall on August 5, 2026.
Steering Issue Could Prevent the Wheels From Responding
According to BMW’s filing, an affected steering spindle could allow a driver to turn the steering wheel without applying enough torque to actually turn the vehicle’s wheels.
BMW says it has not received any reports of crashes or injuries related to the issue.
BMW Advises Owners Not to Drive Affected Vehicles
BMW is advising owners of affected vehicles not to drive them and to park them outside rather than in a garage.
Dealers will inspect the spindle-to-column connection and replace the hardware. If that repair is insufficient, dealers will replace the entire steering spindle and column. Both repairs will be performed free of charge.
The steering spindle carries part number 6887185 on sDrive models and 5A32F06 on xDrive models. The part is supplied by BMW AG.
Recall Covers Three X3 Models
The recall affects the X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive and X3 M50 xDrive.
BMW sent dealer notifications on August 12, 2026, the same day it submitted its report to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be sent by First Class mail on October 2, 2026.
The affected vehicle identification numbers will also become searchable on NHTSA.gov on October 2, 2026.
