Steering complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% | 1,000 miles |
| 2025 | 8 | 21% | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% | — |
| 2023 | 1 | 7% | — |
| 2022 | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2021 | 5 | 4% | 1,000 miles |
| 2020 | 2 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2018 | 7 | 9% | 8,000 miles |
| 2017 | 2 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2016 | 3 | 4% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 1 | 1% | 4,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 5% | 49,000 miles |
| 2013 | 6 | 3% | 86,000 miles |
| 2012 | 8 | 17% | 64,000 miles |
| 2011 | 24 | 19% | 70,000 miles |
| 2010 | 5 | 9% | 51,000 miles |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% | 52,000 miles |
| 2007 | 5 | 2% | 65,000 miles |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% | 105,000 miles |
| 2004 | 5 | 4% | 18,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2026 BMW X3. The contact stated while reversing at an undisclosed speed out of the garage at the residence, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that the vehicle skidded on the ice, and the rear end crashed into a tree. There was no warning light illuminated during the failure. There was no air bags deployed during the crash. A Police report was not filed. The vehicle was drivable and was taken to a Collision Center in Bloomington, Illinois, where it was inspected, and the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The contact research and was made aware of an NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V857000 (STEERING). The contact stated that the VIN was not under recall when the crash occurred but had since received the recall notification. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 900.
Steering wheel was uncontrollable and locked when suddenly driver assist turned on automatically. Vehicle was driving on a regular road speed limit of 30-35 miles zone which caused a collision. The steering wheel kept steering the vehicle to the left lane, at one point tires seemed locked, vehicle spun, then hitting a retainer wall and turning 3 times then landing on the side with driver's side down.
On 12/5/2025, while driving my 2025 BMW X3 at approximately 35 mph on Milwaukee Ave (IL Route 21) during rush-hour traffic, the vehicle displayed a "drivetrain malfunction" warning and immediately lost propulsion; the engine completely shut down. The vehicle could not be driven under its own power and remained stopped in traffic with a minor child passenger present, creating a traffic hazard and risk of being struck (including rear-ended). Ambient temperature was approximately 12 F and we were stranded for about 2 hours awaiting a tow. The vehicle was towed and is currently at Knauz BMW (Lake Bluff, IL) and is available for inspection. The specific failed component/system is UNKNOWN at this time This is a repeat event. …
Vehicle: 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive | VIN: [redacted] | Dealer: Weatherford BMW of Berkeley | No crash, no injury Complaint narrative: My 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive (VIN [redacted]) has an open, active safety recall. BMW of North America has confirmed to me in writing (Executive Customer Care case #[redacted], most recently June 18, 2026) that the remedy parts are not available, and it has provided no repair date or estimated availability. I first raised this in April 2026; it remains unrepaired. Because of the open recall, BMW Financial Services will not allow me to transfer or pay off my lease, yet I continue to be charged $631.98 per month for a vehicle I cannot transfer and that has an unremedied safety defect. BMW has not offered a loaner, interim payment relief, or a repair timeline. I am requesting that NHTSA note the extended unavailability of the recall remedy for this vehicle. …
When starting the vehicle, the message center displays "Loss Communications Brake System Control Module A." The vehicle losses power steering, speedometer indication, tire pressure monitoring, and stability control. There are numerous codes displayed for Brake System, Power Steering, Parking Brake and Stability Control. This is the third time that this event has happened. Turning the vehicle off and restarting after approximately 1 hour the codes were clear and everything appears to work properly. This event occurs randomly and resets after the vehicle is turned off and restarted after a period of approximately 1 hour. The loss of power steering and speed indication is a safety hazard. I have been driving this vehicle when the power steering and speedometer stopped working. The steering requires a lot more effort to turn and you do not know the current speed of the vehicle. …
I purchased by 2022 BMW X3 new in September of 2021. Since then I have had re-occurring safety issues with the car involving steering and suspension components. I've had the front thrust rod replaced at least three times. The vehicle clunks when in reverse and consumes front tires. I had to order front tires for the car with only about 15k miles on them. I had the vehicle alignment checked multiple times and was informed that the car is in correct alignment specs. My biggest frustration is that BMW consistently lies to me and does everything in it's power to deny that there are issues with the vehicle. The thrust rod issue is a known issue which has multiple technical service bulletins. They actually re-engineered the part because it was designed so poorly that they constantly break. …
Both front end tie-rods had to be replaced at 28000 miles. They were making a loud popping noise when steering the vehicle on uneven pavement. The bushings on the tie-rods were worn out and could have failed at any time, resulting in a complete loss of steering control. The vehicle has not been in any accidents or received any damage to wheels and/or tires from hitting any curbs or potholes. In my opinion, this is a dangerous condition which warrants additional investigation. The repair / replacement was performed at the auto dealership where the vehicle was purchased new in April 2021.
Vehicle is experiencing critical mounting component failure very early on. Vehicle has under 50k miles but the engine mounts and thrush rod bushings are failing, putting the car at risk when driving or starting. It has been inspected by the dealership and the manufacturer has confirmed that the issue exists.
Related recalls (7)
Steering › Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024-2026 X3 sDrive30i, X3 30 xDrive, and X3 M50 xDrive vehicles. The steering spindle may have been incorrectly attached to the steering column.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering connection and replace hardware or replace the spindle and column, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026.
Steering › Linkages › Drag › Power assist system
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2025-2026 X3 vehicles. While the vehicle is stationary, unexpected steering wheel movement (rotation) may occur.
Remedy: The steering system software will be updated, free of charge, either over-the-air (OTA) or by a dealer. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 2 Series Coupe (230i), 330i, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i vehicles. The steering gear may not have been tightened properly, which can allow it to loosen.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 11, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Linkages › Tie rod assembly
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 Z4 sDrive30i, 2019-2020 330i xDrive, M340i and M340i xDrive, 2020 X3M and X4M, and Toyota Supra vehicles. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie…
Remedy: BMW and Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear tie rods, free of charge. The recall began August 14, 2020.
Steering › Rack and pinion › Pinion shaft
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 BMW X3 M40i and X4 M40i vehicles. The steering rack pinion teeth may break under load, resulting in a loss of steering control.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Show 2 more recalls
Steering › Electric power assist system
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one model year 2017 BMW X3 xDrive 28i vehicle manufactured on June 7, 2016. This vehicle has electronic power steering (EPS), and the contact pins on the EPS control unit may not have been welded properly resulting in increased resistance.
Remedy: The vehicle was repaired at the dealership before sale. Therefore, an owner notification notice will not be issued for this campaign. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Steering › Electric power assist system
BMW is recalling certain model year 2011 x3 passenger vehicles manufactured from April 27, 2011, through June 8, 2011. A control module in the electric power steering (EPS) unit May malfunction, resulting in a sudden loss of power steering assistance.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during August 2011. Owners May contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
Frequently asked questions
Which BMW X3 years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2011 (24), 2012 (8), 2025 (8), 2018 (7) and 2013 (6) model years. Steering complaints make up 19% of all complaints for the 2011.
Is there a recall for BMW X3 steering problems?
Yes — 7 recalls, including 26V-524 (arm, Aug 12, 2026); 25V-857 (power assist system, Dec 11, 2025); 23V-770 (steering, Nov 16, 2023). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do BMW X3 steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 52,000 miles; 48% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the electric power assist system (3 mentions), followed by the linkages › rod › relay › connecting (1).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.