Tag Archives: Recall

News

BMW Recalls Nearly 37,000 X3 Crossovers for Unintended Steering Movement

BMW is calling back almost 37,000 examples of its X3 crossover in the United States after discovering a software flaw that can cause the steering wheel to move on its own—while the vehicle is standing still.

The recall affects 2025 and 2026 model-year BMW X3s, with the automaker estimating that all 36,922 vehicles included may be affected by the issue. While the cars aren’t driving themselves off into traffic, unexpected steering inputs are still the sort of behavior that earns immediate attention from regulators—and drivers.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from the electric power steering system. If one of the two steering assist torque sensor channels fails while the vehicle is parked, the system may not correctly detect the fault. In rare circumstances, that oversight can result in random steering wheel movement.

The behavior can occur when the engine is started or when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in gear. In other words, the X3 might appear perfectly calm—until the steering wheel decides to make a move of its own.

This isn’t a purely theoretical problem, either. At least one real-world example has already surfaced on video, showing a parked X3 turning its steering wheel to one side, returning it to center, and repeating the motion—all while the vehicle itself remains motionless. It’s unsettling to watch, even if the risk of immediate danger appears low.

BMW says the fix is straightforward: a software update for the steering control system. Most owners won’t need to visit a dealership, as the update will be delivered over the air (OTA). For those who prefer the traditional route, BMW dealers will install the update free of charge.

The recall is another reminder that as modern vehicles rely increasingly on software, the definition of a “mechanical issue” continues to evolve. Sometimes, solving a steering problem no longer requires a wrench—just a stable internet connection.

Source: NHTSA

News

Mercedes EQB Recall: Don’t Fully Charge Your EV

If you’re the type of Mercedes EV driver who already checks the range estimate more often than your bank balance, we’ve got news that won’t help your blood pressure. Mercedes-Benz is advising owners of certain EQB electric SUVs to cap charging at 80 percent—not to preserve battery health, not to optimize efficiency, but because charging to 100 percent could, in engineering terms, trigger a “thermal event.”

In plain English: the battery could short-circuit and catch fire. And unlike a check-engine light or a rattling trim panel, battery fires tend to command your full attention—and the local fire department’s.

The good news, such as it is, is that this recall affects a vanishingly small slice of Mercedes’ EV fleet. Just 169 vehicles are involved, including 100 EQB 300 4Matic models, 48 EQB 350 4Matics, and 21 single-motor EQB 250s. That’s barely enough cars to fill a Costco parking lot, though that’s cold comfort if yours happens to be one of them.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Mercedes has been here before. Earlier in 2025, the company recalled more than 7,000 EQBs in the U.S. for—you guessed it—fire risk, issuing the same temporary advice to keep charging below 80 percent until a software update could be applied. Déjà vu, now with fewer vehicles.

According to Mercedes, the newly recalled cars are “early-stage” 2022–2023 model-year EQBs. Later vehicles supposedly received more robust battery hardware, sparing them from this particular drama. For the affected cars, the company says drivers will likely get warning messages if things start getting spicy under the floorpan while driving. Unfortunately, a parked EQB could still ignite without so much as a polite heads-up.

Naturally, you might assume Mercedes would replace the suspect batteries with improved units. Naturally, you’d be wrong. The fix is—again—a software update, scheduled to roll out via dealerships in early 2026. Until then, owners are stuck playing battery-management limbo.

That’s especially painful given the EQB’s already modest range. The dual-motor EQB 350 carries an EPA rating of just 227 miles on a full charge. Knock that down to 80 percent and you’re looking at roughly 180 miles. Add a sensible buffer at the bottom end of the gauge and real-world usable range could shrink to around 150 miles.

That’s enough to visit relatives across town, but probably not across the state—unless you enjoy spending quality time at freeway charging stations, contemplating life choices and scrolling through apps that insist your charger will be available “any minute now.”

For now, Mercedes EQB owners affected by the recall can take solace in two things: first, the odds of being impacted are low; and second, Mercedes insists the fix is coming. Eventually. In the meantime, charge cautiously, park thoughtfully, and maybe keep the holiday travel plans local.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

News

Jeep’s Hot-Selling 4xe Hybrids Hit with Third Recall in a Month—And This One Might Be the Worst Yet

Jeep’s 4xe lineup has been the poster child for mainstream plug-in success. The Wrangler 4xe didn’t just outsell every other PHEV in America—it did so for two years straight, accounting for a full quarter of Wrangler deliveries. But the same models that helped define Stellantis’s electrified future are now becoming its biggest headache.

And this latest recall?
It’s a doozy.

Engines Built With… Sand?

Jeep has issued another callback—its third hybrid-related recall in under a month—this time targeting 76,019 Wrangler 4xe models (MY 2024–25) and 36,840 Grand Cherokee 4xe models (MY 2023–25).

The culprit:
Sand contamination inside the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines sourced from Mexico. Yes, actual casting-process sand—exactly the stuff you don’t want circulating through a modern turbocharged powerplant.

If those abrasive particles wind up in critical areas, the result can be catastrophic:

  • Engine damage
  • Loss of power
  • Potential loss of control
  • Risk of fire

And for anyone thinking this is purely a hybrid issue—Jeep says only the 4xe variants are affected, even though non-hybrid 2.0-liter Wranglers were built during the same timeframe.

Not Just a “What If” Problem

Jeep isn’t recalling these SUVs based on hypotheticals. By late October, the company had already logged:

  • 36 customer assistance cases
  • 144 warranty claims
  • 36 fires
  • 50 loss-of-propulsion incidents
  • 50 additional related field reports
  • Three reported injuries

That’s not a trend line—it’s a flashing red light.

Jeep says owner notifications will begin December 29, though the brand still doesn’t have a finalized fix. And depending on what engineers uncover, the solution could be massive. Toyota recently had to replace thousands of engines after machining debris was discovered in its V6 production line; Jeep could be staring down a similarly costly remedy.

A Triple Hit to 4xe Confidence

This latest engine contamination recall lands on top of two other high-profile 4xe issues announced over the past several weeks:

1. Fire Risk: Park Outside

Just weeks ago, Jeep urged over 320,000 Wrangler and Grand Cherokee 4xe owners to park outside and away from buildings due to hybrid battery packs that can spontaneously ignite—an advisory that instantly put the brand on the defensive.

2. OTA Update Gone Wrong

Before that, nearly 25,000 Wrangler 4xe models were recalled after a faulty over-the-air update wreaked havoc on their hybrid systems, causing some SUVs to lose drive entirely.

Three major recalls in under a month would be a PR nightmare for any company, but for Jeep—whose electrification strategy is heavily staked on 4xe branding—it’s an existential challenge.

Jeep’s Electrified Future: Still on the Trail, but Stumbling

The Wrangler 4xe’s popularity once made it a symbol of the modern off-roader—silent when you wanted stealth, torquey when you needed grunt, and just electrified enough to feel future-proof. Now it risks becoming the face of reliability anxiety.

Jeep says it’s working urgently on a solution. Owners, meanwhile, are left waiting—with many likely wondering whether “4xe” still means progress or just more problems.

One thing’s clear:
Electrification hasn’t killed the Jeep trail.
But right now, the ride is rockier than ever.

Source: Jeep