Recall 20V434 covers 7 2019-2020 BMW X5 and X6 M vehicles for a loose steering-column shaft bearing plate. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 7 2019-2020 X5 and X6 M vehicles because the steering column shaft bearing plate was not properly attached and can loosen. A loose bearing plate can affect handling and control, increasing crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering column shaft bearing plate in the 2019-2020 BMW X5 and X6 M sits where the steering column shaft is secured to the vehicle structure. In normal use, that plate helps hold the steering shaft in the correct position as the driver turns the wheel. The attachment depends on fastening nuts being installed and tightened during assembly.
On affected vehicles, the bearing plate was not attached to specification because the fastening nuts were missing. BMW traced the issue to assembly records where torque data was not recorded, the vehicle passed through a narrow timing window at the attachment station, and no rework was documented for that VIN. With the plate loose, the steering column area is no longer held the way it was designed to be held.
The warning sign is noise or vibration from the steering column area while driving. If you hear or feel that near the wheel, treat it as the defect showing itself and have the vehicle checked by a BMW dealer.
Who's affected?
The scope covers X5 and X6 M SUVs with steering-column and steering-system component labels tied to the same vehicle assembly issue.
| 2020 BMW X5 | steering column |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X5 | steering system |
| 2019 BMW X5 | steering column |
| 2019 BMW X5 | steering system |
| 2020 BMW X6 M | steering column |
| 2020 BMW X6 M | steering system |
| Units affected | 7 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 1 field incident 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?
A loose bearing plate can affect the vehicle's handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash. Noise or vibration near the steering column is the warning sign. If you notice either one, limit driving and contact a BMW dealer for inspection. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 BMW X5 or X6 M is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer if your VIN shows an open recall, and schedule the free steering-column bearing-plate inspection that fixes the loose plate affecting handling and control.
- Bring any BMW phone-notice details you received. If you do not have them, reference recall number 20V434 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about whether the repair has already been completed.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the steering column shaft bearing plate, then properly attaches it or replaces it as needed. The recall repair is free, and BMW's filing says owners were contacted by phone and the vehicles were remedied. Repairs already paid before the recall notice are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the BMW service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 28, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 28, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 28, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 21, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 21, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V434?
Recall 20V434 covers 7 2019-2020 BMW X5 and X6 M vehicles with a steering column shaft bearing plate that was not properly attached. A loose plate can affect handling and control, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers inspect the part and attach or replace it for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 BMW X5 or X6 M is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V434. If it is, call a franchised BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. BMW says owners were contacted by phone and all vehicles were remedied.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 20V434, BMW dealers inspect the steering column shaft bearing plate and properly attach or replace it for free.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced handling and control from a loose steering column shaft bearing plate. That condition increases the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included and the repair still shows open, arrange dealer service before relying on the vehicle.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V434000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V434 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V434000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →