Steering Wheel Issue Haunts BMW Drivers

BMW is calling back some 37,000 sport utility vehicles because of a defect that can make steering wheels difficult to control.

The cars’ steering wheels may jerk violently, according to BMW. The company told federal auto safety regulators that the problem increases safety risks for anyone in the vehicles or sharing the road with them.

“If one of the two channels within the steering torque sensor malfunctions while the vehicle is in a standstill condition (startup, or in drive mode but stationary), software diagnostics may not appropriately detect this condition,” BMW said in a recall notice. “In these rare cases, unintended steering wheel movement may occur.”

“Although field incidents have only occurred while the vehicle is in a standstill condition, unexpected and unintended steering wheel movement may increase the risk of a crash and/or injury,” BMW added.

The recall covers certain x3 SUVs from model years 2025 and 2026, which were produced between August 2024 and October 2025. 

BMW said it plans to notify owners of recalled vehicles by the beginning of February. It plans to issue an over-the-air software update to address the steering issue.

Owners are “encouraged to update their vehicle via this method, as it allows their vehicle to be updated quickly and without needing additional time and possibly having to navigate personal scheduling constraints in visiting a dealer,” BMW said. “Owners will also be informed that, as an option, they may take their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed for free.”

California Lemon Law Rights for BMW Drivers

These kinds of safety recalls are all too common for BMW owners. 

In October, for example, the company called back some 350,000 cars in two recalls in the span of a single week. Both recalls stemmed from fire risks. BMW told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration it was aware of at least 10 fires related to the defects.

The good news is that BMW and other car owners in California have some important rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The California lemon law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights, explore your options, and take action.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.