Recall 16V704 covers 103 2017 BMW X3 vehicles for EPS control-unit pin resistance and fire risk. BMW completed the repair before sale.
BMW is recalling 103 2017 X3 vehicles because contact pins in the electronic power steering control unit were not welded properly, which increases electrical resistance. That resistance can increase the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off; BMW dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The electronic power steering system on the 2017 BMW X3 uses an electric motor and control unit to add assist when you turn the wheel. The control unit reads steering input and sends the right amount of help so the wheel does not rely only on driver effort.
On affected X3 vehicles, contact pins inside the electronic power steering control unit were not welded properly during supplier production. Those pins are small electrical connection points. A poor weld raises electrical resistance, which interferes with the control unit's ability to pass power and signals correctly. When that happens, the power steering assist is no longer working as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not list a dashboard message, sound, or steering feel change that appears before the control unit problem shows up.
Who's affected?
| 2017 BMW X3 | power steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 103 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 BMW X3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 16V704 links higher pin contact resistance to fire risk, including when the X3 is parked and the ignition is off. There is no warning sign listed, so if your VIN still shows this recall, contact BMW service before regular use. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to confirm the free EPS control-unit repair that addresses the high-resistance contact pins.
- Reference recall number 16V704 when you call, since BMW did not issue an owner notice after the vehicle was repaired before sale.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer cannot confirm the repair.
- Ask the dealer whether the vehicle should stay parked until the EPS repair status is confirmed.
What happens at the repair
BMW says this vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale, so an owner letter will not be issued for this campaign. At the dealer, a BMW technician completed the repair tied to the electronic power steering control unit contacts. The recall repair is free. BMW also has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented owner-paid repairs connected to this recall. If you have paperwork for a prior related repair, contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and ask how to submit it.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 29, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 3, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 11, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 6, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V704?
Recall 16V704 covers 103 2017 BMW X3 vehicles with an electronic power steering control unit defect. Improperly welded contact pins can raise electrical resistance, increasing fire risk even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off. BMW says the affected vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale.
What should I do if my 2017 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included in recall 16V704. If it is, call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or ask a franchised BMW dealer to verify that the recall is closed for your vehicle. BMW says no owner notice was issued because the repair was completed before sale.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. For recall 16V704, BMW says the affected vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale, so an owner should not be charged for the recall repair.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is fire. BMW reported that increased resistance at the electronic power steering control unit pins can raise fire risk even when the 2017 BMW X3 is parked and the ignition is off. The dealer repair path is the free recall repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V704000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V704 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V704000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →