The steering wheel turns on its own: BMW recalls almost 37,000 cars over a dangerous defect

The steering wheel turns on its own: BMW recalls almost 37,000 cars over a dangerous defect
BMW has announced a large-scale recall of BMW X3 crossovers after discovering an extremely unusual and potentially dangerous defect.
In some vehicles, the steering wheel may rotate on its own, even if the driver is not touching it and the car is stationary.

Which BMW models are affected by the recall?

The problem was discovered in 2025 and 2026 model year BMW X3s.
A total of 36,922 vehicles are affected by the recall, according to the industry publication Carscoops, citing official data.

The defect affects crossovers equipped with electric power steering, where software plays a key role.

What Is the Problem with the BMW X3’s Steering?

The reason for the recall is a software error in the steering system.
Due to the software glitch, the vehicle fails to detect a malfunction in one of the torque sensor channels, which can lead to unpredictable steering behavior.

As a result:

the steering wheel may turn on its own
the vehicle may move without driver input
the defect occurs even when the vehicle is stationary

A video has already surfaced online showing the steering wheel of a BMW X3 rapidly turning to the right and left while the driver’s hands are not on the wheel.

What Safety Regulators Are Saying

Experts from the NHTSA (U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) have confirmed that the problem is specifically related to an error in the interpretation of the steering sensor signal, rather than mechanical damage.

Although no traffic accidents related to this defect have been reported, the potential risk to the safety of the driver and passengers is considered high.

How BMW Is Fixing the Defect

Good news for BMW X3 owners—the problem is being resolved via a software update.
The company has already released an over-the-air (OTA) software update that:

corrects the torque sensor error
completely eliminates spontaneous steering wheel rotation
does not require any parts to be replaced

The steering wheel turns on its own: BMW recalls almost 37,000 cars over a dangerous defect
Owners will be able to:

install the update themselves
or update the software for free at an authorized BMW service center

Conclusion: a serious defect, but a quick fix

The recall for the 2025–2026 BMW X3 highlights just how critical software has become in modern cars.
Despite the alarming nature of the defect, the manufacturer responded promptly and offered a simple solution that doesn’t require a visit to a service center.

If you own a BMW X3 from recent model years, it is recommended that you install the update as soon as possible to eliminate any risks.

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