BMW recalls 36,922 2025–2026 X3 SUVs over steering software bug

Michael Powers, Editor

07:15 07-01-2026

BMW has launched a sweeping recall covering 36,922 2025–2026 BMW X3 crossover SUVs. The move stems from a software fault in the steering system that can cause the wheel to turn on its own while the vehicle is stationary. The company acknowledges the issue could potentially be present across the entire batch.

According to documents filed with a U.S. regulatory agency, the problem traces back to the software that processes signals from the torque sensor. The steering setup uses two independent channels, and if one of them fails while the car is parked, during engine start, or when the vehicle is stopped in Drive, the software may misread the situation and allow unintended steering-wheel movement.

From a safety standpoint the defect is unusual: it does not occur while driving, yet it can startle the driver in a parking lot or during low-speed maneuvers. These edge cases are becoming more relevant as modern 2026 vehicles layer on complex control logic, with mechanical systems increasingly governed by algorithms. In practice, predictability in these moments matters just as much as outright capability.

BMW says the fix is straightforward. The automaker has prepared a steering software update, with a free over-the-air update as the primary route, sparing owners a trip to the dealership. Those who prefer can have the update installed at a service center at no cost.

It’s a clear example of how even cutting-edge components can be tripped up by rare software glitches. As electronics take on a bigger role, the quality of code, diagnostics, and updates becomes a deciding factor in overall reliability.

This recall underlines that smart systems demand as much attention as hardware. The remedy is a software patch, but cases like this quietly reinforce a broader point for the industry: catching corner scenarios earlier in validation can be just as important as strengthening the parts themselves.