Recall 19V631 affects 12 2020 BMW X7 and X5 vehicles because steering rack pinion teeth can break. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 12 2020 X7 and X5 vehicles because steering rack pinion teeth can break under load. That failure can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The steering rack in the 2020 BMW X7 and X5 is part of the rack and pinion steering system. It turns your steering wheel input into side-to-side motion at the front wheels. Inside that assembly, gear teeth carry the steering load every time you turn.
On the affected vehicles, the steering rack material was not tempered within BMW's specified temperature range. Tempering is a heat treatment that gives the metal its intended strength. When that step is wrong, the pinion teeth do not have the strength BMW designed into the part. Under steering load, those teeth can break, and the driver can lose steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. BMW identified about 9 affected vehicles through supplier production information and vehicle assembly information, so the VIN decides whether a specific X7 or X5 is included.
Who's affected?
Covers both BMW X7 and X5 SUVs under the same steering-system component.
| 2020 BMW X7 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X5 | steering system |
| Units affected | 12 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2020 BMW X7 or X5 does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash. There is no warning sign identified before failure, so confirm your VIN and schedule the repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW X7 or X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering-rack replacement that addresses pinion teeth at risk of breaking under load and causing loss of steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V631 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the steering-rack replacement is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the steering rack covered by recall 19V631. The repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. If you have paperwork from a steering rack repair before the recall notice, ask the BMW service desk how that warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 21, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| August 28, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
| August 28, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 28, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V631?
Recall 19V631 covers 12 2020 BMW X5 and X7 vehicles with steering rack pinion teeth that can break under load, causing a loss of steering control. BMW dealers will replace the steering rack for free.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW X5 or X7 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V631. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the steering rack replacement. Reference recall number 19V631 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the steering rack free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. In affected vehicles, steering rack pinion teeth can break under load, which increases crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then ask a BMW dealer when to bring the vehicle in for the free steering rack replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V631000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V631 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V631000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →