Vehicle Recall IndexVIN decoding & NHTSA recall records

Model year 2020 · BMW

2020 BMW 3 Series / M3 recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 15 safety recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3 — 1 with a do-not-drive or park-outside advisory. The most recent was reported on September 25, 2025. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: 330E, 330I, 340I, 340XI, M340I, M340XI.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3, newest first
NHTSA numberReportedComponent
25V644000September 25, 2025Electrical System › Starter Assembly
25V636000September 23, 2025Electrical System › Starter Assembly › RelayPark outside
24V576000August 1, 2024Electrical System › Starter Assembly
23V584000August 16, 2023Electrical System › Software
23V211000March 29, 2023Seats
21V598000August 2, 2021Engine
21V096000February 19, 2021Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
20V355000June 15, 2020Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly
20V164000March 19, 2020Air Bags
19V912000December 20, 2019Seat Belts › Pretensioner
19V850000November 27, 2019Exterior Lighting › Headlights
19V755000October 23, 2019Structure › Body › Trunk Lid
19V732000October 15, 2019Engine
19V684000September 27, 2019Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera
19V600000August 14, 2019Seats

Systems involved: Electrical System (4) · Seat Belts (3) · Back Over Prevention (2) · Engine (2) · Seats (2) · Air Bags (1) · Engine And Engine Cooling (1) · Exterior Lighting (1) · Steering (1) · Structure (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 25V644000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
September 25, 2025
Owner notification
February 9, 2026
Recall initiated by
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected
145,102 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
February 21, 2019 – July 28, 2020
Model names in the NHTSA record
340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety risk

An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V644000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 25V636000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly › Relay

Park outside advisory

Report received by NHTSA
September 23, 2025
Owner notification
February 6, 2026
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
199,674 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.

Safety risk

A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete. Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 6, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 14, 2025.

Source: NHTSA recall 25V636000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 24V576000

Electrical System › Starter Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
August 1, 2024
Owner notification
September 27, 2024
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
105,588 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
340XI, M340I, M340XI

Components: Electrical System › Starter Assembly; Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/ECM) › Software

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5, X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. In the event the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat from an electrical overload.

Safety risk

A starter motor that overheats can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will update the vehicle software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 24V576000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V584000

Electrical System › Software

Report received by NHTSA
August 16, 2023
Owner notification
October 12, 2023
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
144 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Components: Electrical System › Software; Seat Belts

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Safety risk

An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V584000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 23V211000

Seats

Report received by NHTSA
March 29, 2023
Owner notification
May 22, 2023
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
51 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.

Safety risk

An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V211000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V598000

Engine

Report received by NHTSA
August 2, 2021
Owner notification
September 17, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
50,024 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 M340i, M340i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, X3 M40i, 2020-2021 X4 M40i, 745Le xDrive, 2019-2021 Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota Supra vehicles. During engine start, the engine management software may cause loss of braking assist. Full mechanical braking (without assist) remains available.

Safety risk

Loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the engine management software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V598000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V096000

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA
February 19, 2021
Owner notification
April 16, 2021
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
13,858 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330E, 330I, M340I

Components: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera; Back Over Prevention › Software

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Safety risk

If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V096000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V355000Manufacturer no. Toyota: 20TA09

Steering › Linkages › Tie Rod Assembly

Report received by NHTSA
June 15, 2020
Owner notification
August 14, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
2,779 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Defect summary

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 rod.

Safety risk

A damaged or fractured tie rod may affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V355000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 20V164000

Air Bags

Report received by NHTSA
March 19, 2020
Owner notification
May 18, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
3,316 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Components: Air Bags; Seat Belts › Front › Buckle Assembly; Seat Belts › Front › Warning Light/Devices; Seat Belts › Pretensioner

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Safety risk

If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 20V164000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V912000

Seat Belts › Pretensioner

Report received by NHTSA
December 20, 2019
Owner notification
February 18, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
135 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
April 11, 2019 – December 5, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.

Safety risk

In the event of a crash, if the seat belt pretensioners fail to lock, there is an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat belts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V912000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V850000Manufacturer no. Toyota - 19TA20

Exterior Lighting › Headlights

Report received by NHTSA
November 27, 2019
Owner notification
January 24, 2020
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
245 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
July 22, 2019 – October 18, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 Z4 M40i, Z4 sDrive30i, 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles as well as 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The headlight control units may fail causing a loss of one or both of the headlights.

Safety risk

Headlight failure can reduce the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headlight control units, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 17, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V850000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V755000

Structure › Body › Trunk Lid

Report received by NHTSA
October 23, 2019
Owner notification
December 13, 2019
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
325 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
July 31, 2019 – September 18, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 330i, 330i xDrive and M340i vehicles. The interior trunk release cable may have been improperly installed, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Safety risk

If a person were inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the interior trunk release cable and properly install the cable, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V755000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V732000

Engine

Report received by NHTSA
October 15, 2019
Owner notification
December 13, 2019
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
217 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
November 22, 2018 – September 26, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 330i, 330i xDrive, and 2019 Z4 vehicles. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.

Safety risk

If the counterbalance shaft loosens, severe engine damage could occur, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the engine, free of charge. The recall began December 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V732000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V684000

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera

Report received by NHTSA
September 27, 2019
Owner notification
November 8, 2019
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
257,473 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
May 12, 2018 – August 6, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
330I, M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Safety risk

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V684000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 19V600000

Seats

Report received by NHTSA
August 14, 2019
Owner notification
August 28, 2019
Recall initiated by
Manufacturer
Units potentially affected
2 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2020 BMW 3 Series / M3
July 4, 2019 – July 31, 2019
Model names in the NHTSA record
M340I

Defect summary

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling one 2020 M340i and one M340i xDrive vehicle. Due to improper welding, the rear center headrest may fold in the event of a rear impact crash.

Safety risk

If the headrest folds down in a crash, there would be an increased risk of injury.

Remedy

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear center headrest, free of charge. The recall began August 28, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 19V600000, filed by BMW of North America, LLC. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: September 26, 2025.