18:15 23-12-2025

BMW recalls 2025–2026 X3 (G45) over steering software bug

BMW of North America announced a recall of the new‑generation X3 crossovers (G45) over a rare but unsettling possibility: when the vehicle is stopped, the steering wheel could, in theory, begin to move on its own. The company points to the steering system’s software logic rather than hardware as the source of the issue. More details were reported by journalists at 32CARS.RU.

If one of the two torque‑sensor channels in the steering mechanism fails while the car is stationary, the self‑diagnostic routine may misinterpret the condition and not trigger the strictest fallback, creating a risk of an unexpected steering response. Even as a theoretical edge case, that kind of behavior can rattle driver confidence.

The issue was identified on August 22, 2025 during the launch phase at the Spartanburg plant, followed by an engineering investigation that began on September 1. By mid‑September the company halted deliveries and held vehicles at the factory to contain the risk. Only isolated episodes were noted in the fall, and by December 4, 2025 there were 21 recorded cases with no reports of crashes or injuries. The sequence reads like a brisk containment effort once the anomaly surfaced.

The recall covers 2025 and 2026 model‑year X3s built from August 14, 2024 to October 20, 2025. The remedy is a free steering‑software update at dealers, with installation also available over the air. Owner and lessee notifications are scheduled for early February 2026.