Recall 25V857 affects 36,922 2025-2026 BMW X3 vehicles for unintended stationary steering-wheel rotation. Free software update by OTA or a franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 36,922 2025-2026 X3 vehicles because the steering wheel can rotate unexpectedly while the vehicle is stationary. Unintended steering wheel movement increases the risk of injury while stopped and a crash on the road; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The steering system software on the 2025-2026 BMW X3 helps read steering torque sensor input and control power assist. That sensor tells the steering system how much force is being applied at the wheel, so the control module can support normal steering without adding movement the driver did not ask for.
On affected X3 vehicles, the software diagnostics can fail to catch a fault in one of the two channels inside the steering torque sensor while the vehicle is stopped. That condition can happen during startup or while the vehicle is in drive mode at a standstill. When the fault goes undetected, the steering wheel can rotate unexpectedly even though the vehicle is stationary.
There is no warning sign before failure. BMW describes the issue as unexpected steering wheel movement while stopped, so an owner should treat any steering-wheel rotation at startup or at a standstill as the symptom to report to a BMW dealer.
Who's affected?
Spans the 2025 and 2026 model years, with steering system software tied to both steering linkage and steering control module components.
| 2026 BMW X3 | steering linkage |
|---|---|
| 2025 BMW X3 | steering linkage |
| 2025 BMW X3 | steering system |
| 2026 BMW X3 | steering system |
| Units affected | 36,922 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 21 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
Unintended steering wheel movement can injure someone while the vehicle is stopped and increases crash risk on the road. If your 2025-2026 X3 is included, schedule the software update soon and use extra care until it is complete. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025-2026 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free steering-system software update that addresses unexpected steering wheel movement.
- Install the BMW over-the-air software update if BMW offers it for your vehicle, or have the dealer perform the update.
- Bring the recall notice BMW mailed, or reference recall number 25V857 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the update is complete, and stop using the vehicle if unexpected steering wheel movement occurs.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the steering system software covered by recall 25V857. BMW can also deliver the same software update over the air, so the service desk can tell you whether your X3 needs a dealer visit or can receive the update remotely. The recall repair is free. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says this condition would have been covered under that warranty before the recall notice. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 11, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 2, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 6, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V857?
Recall 25V857 covers 36,922 2025-2026 BMW X3 vehicles with steering system software that can allow unexpected steering wheel rotation while stationary. BMW will update the steering system software for free, either over the air or through a franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do if my 2025-2026 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X3 is included in recall 25V857. If it is included, follow BMW's software update instructions or contact a franchised BMW dealer to arrange the steering system software update. Reference recall 25V857 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to perform recall repairs at no cost. BMW will update the steering system software free of charge, either over the air or at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
Unexpected steering wheel movement can injure someone while the vehicle is stationary and increase crash risk on the road. If your VIN is included, arrange the free steering system software update and ask the dealer how BMW wants the vehicle handled before service.
When were BMW X3 owners notified about this recall?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on February 6, 2026. VINs became searchable for this recall on February 2, 2026. If you bought the vehicle used or missed the letter, check your VIN and reference recall 25V857 when you contact BMW or a dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V857000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V857 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V857000 |
Source documents
-
Download Owner Notice (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →