2021 BMW X3/X4 Increased Steering Effort TSB
A manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10182908, addresses a condition in 2021 BMW X3 and X4 models where drivers may experience increased steering effort accompanied by a 'Increased steering effort, drive moderately' check control message.
S'applique également à
- BMW X4
- 2021
Symptoms
Owners of 2021 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles may notice an increase in the effort required to steer their vehicle. This condition is typically accompanied by a specific check control message (CCM) appearing on the dashboard. The verbatim message displayed is: "Increased steering effort, drive moderately" (CCM ID 997).
This BMW X3 increased steering effort can be concerning for drivers, as it directly impacts the vehicle's handling characteristics.
Diagnosis / Trigger Conditions
The BMW X3 increased steering effort and associated check control message are most likely to appear under specific driving conditions. These include situations involving multiple vehicle steering maneuvers, such as parking or navigating tight spaces. The message may also trigger after extended periods at steering end stops, commonly referred to as "full lock" turns.
This manufacturer communication (NHTSA ID 10182908) highlights these scenarios as the primary triggers for the reported steering issue.
Important Warnings
The check control message "Increased steering effort, drive moderately" itself serves as an important advisory. It instructs the driver to operate the vehicle with caution when this condition is present. This warning is crucial for maintaining safety and control while driving.
Owner Action
If you own a 2021 BMW X3 or X4 and experience BMW X3 increased steering effort or see the "Increased steering effort, drive moderately" message (CCM ID 997), it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealer. They can diagnose the underlying cause of the increased steering effort and perform any necessary repairs or software updates to address the condition described in manufacturer communication NHTSA ID 10182908.
Source: NHTSA ID 10182908
What BMW X3 owners report
Counted from the records in our database across 23 model years.
- 2,295
- Owner complaints
- 64
- Recalls
- 1,126
- Service bulletins
- 114
- Crashes reported
- 133
- Fires reported
- 118
- Injuries reported
The 2021 model year
113 complaints, the 8th most of 23 model years on file. Owners reported 5 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries for this year, which also has 10 recalls on file.
Steering, the system this article covers, accounts for 102 of 2,295 complaints (4%), including 5 for 2021.
Complaints by model year
| 2004 | 138 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 143 | |
| 2007 | 258 | |
| 2008 | 122 | |
| 2011 | 126 | |
| 2013 | 226 | |
| 2015 | 105 | |
| 2019 | 171 | |
| 2020 | 110 | |
| 2021 | 113 |
Most-reported systems
- Engine — 494
- Electrical System — 450
- Air Bags — 404
- Power Train — 247
- Seats — 218
Latest recalls for the 2021 model year
- 26V056000 — Electrical System (Jan 2026)
- 25V636000 — Electrical System (Sep 2025) — Park outside
- 24V764000 — Structure (Oct 2024)
Recent owner reports about steering
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.
Read owner complaints →The car is not stable on highways, drifts left or right, even after wheel alignment done by a bmw dealer. Constant corrections needed every 5-10 sec to stay in lane.
Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.
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