Recall 19V738 affects 20 2020 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles for steering pinion teeth that can break. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 20 2020 X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles because steering rack pinion teeth can break under load and lead to loss of steering control. That loss of steering control increases crash risk, and BMW dealers will replace the steering gear free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering rack in the 2020 BMW X3 and X4 turns steering-wheel input into movement at the front wheels. Inside that rack, the pinion shaft has gear teeth that mesh with the rack and move it left or right. Those teeth must stay strong when the steering system is loaded during parking, cornering, or quick corrections.
On affected vehicles, the steering pinion gear was not hardened to BMW's specifications during supplier production. The filing traces the problem to an incorrect quenching bath mix, which is part of the heat-treatment process that gives the gear its strength. If the gear teeth break under load, the rack no longer responds as designed and the driver can lose steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. The steering can feel normal until the gear teeth break, so the VIN decides whether a specific X3 or X4 is included.
Who's affected?
The X3 and X4 listings point to the same steering-system component, so the VIN check is what separates included SUVs from similar vehicles.
| 2020 BMW X3 | steering system |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X4 | steering system |
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model 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. If steering feels unusual or the vehicle does not respond as expected, pull over safely and contact a BMW dealer before continuing. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW X3 or X4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering-gear replacement that fixes rack-pinion teeth that can break and cause loss of steering control.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, and reference recall number 19V738 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete and leave extra room to steer safely.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the steering gear covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. BMW contacted the owner by phone with this instruction: do not drive the vehicle until the steering gear replacement is complete. The vehicle was transported to the dealer for the repair. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 9, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
|---|---|
| October 16, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
| October 16, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| October 16, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 16, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V738?
Recall 19V738 covers 20 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles with steering rack pinion teeth that can break under load. That failure can cause loss of steering control and increase crash risk. BMW dealers will replace the steering gear for free.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW X3 or X4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V738. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the steering gear replacement. Reference recall number 19V738 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the steering gear free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at a franchised BMW dealer.
Is it safe to drive a BMW X3 or X4 with this recall?
The safety risk is loss of steering control, which increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, contact a BMW dealer before making normal driving plans and ask how soon the steering gear replacement can be completed.
What if I bought the BMW X3 or X4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2020 BMW X3 or X4 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 19V738.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V738000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V738 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V738000 |
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 →