Nearly 37,000 BMW X3 SUVs are being recalled after a software flaw caused the steering wheel to move while the vehicle is parked, highlighting the risks that come with increasingly complex automotive systems.
BMW is recalling 36,922 X3 SUVs from the 2025 and 2026 model years. The issue stems from a steering software glitch that can cause the wheel to turn while the vehicle is stationary. BMW is offering a free fix, either through an over-the-air software update or a visit to a dealership.
Modern vehicles are packed with technology, and sometimes software bugs slip through. While it happens more often than drivers might expect, it’s rare to encounter a defect that makes the car’s steering wheel turn on its own.
That’s exactly what BMW is facing, prompting the recall of nearly 37,000 nearly new X3s. BMW believes that all 36,922 vehicles in the recall population are affected.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue arises when the steering system software is not sufficiently robust.
Specifically, if one of the two channels within the steering torque sensor malfunctions while the vehicle is at a standstill, either at startup or while stopped in drive, the software may fail to detect the fault correctly. In rare cases, this can result in unintended steering wheel movement, essentially one step away from a nightmare scenario if the car were moving.
It can seem almost comical, but only because the car isn’t moving. Several users on Instagram, Reddit, and other platforms have shared videos showing the defect in action.
In these clips, the stationary X3’s wheel moves sharply to the right before returning to its original position and repeating the cycle rapidly. Some commenters jokingly suggested that the user’s annual steering subscription had expired.
Fortunately, that’s not the case, and the fix is straightforward. BMW will deliver a steering system software update primarily over the air (OTA), allowing owners to resolve the issue without visiting a dealership. Owners will also have the option to schedule a free dealer visit if they prefer.
