BMW X3 and X4 Front Seatback Weld Failure
medium How serious is it? About this label
If a seatback folds during a crash, it increases the risk of injury to the occupant. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 19V563000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Jul 31, 2019 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Seats |
| Vehicles covered | 3 model/year combinations, model years 2018–2019 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
On certain X3 and X4 vehicles, the frame inside the front seatback, on the driver's or passenger's side, may not have been welded correctly. This can allow the seatback to suddenly fold forward or backward instead of staying upright. If this happens during a crash, the seat may not hold the occupant in place the way it should, which increases the risk of injury.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer, or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, to schedule the repair.
3. Dealers will replace the front seats at no cost to you.
Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?
Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 19V563000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- BMW Seat Recalls Involve Loose Bolts, Welds, and Head Restraints · all 9 BMW recalls in this area
Other BMW X3 recalls
- Aug 12, 2026BMW X3 Steering Spindle May Be Loosehigh
- Jan 30, 2026BMW, Toyota Supra: Engine Starter May Catch Firecritical
- Dec 11, 2025BMW X3 Steering Wheel May Move Unexpectedlyhigh
- Sep 23, 2025BMW and Toyota Supra Starter Relay Fire Riskcritical
- Apr 16, 2025BMW X3 Front Brake Discs Damaged in Transporthigh
- Apr 1, 2025BMW 430i, X3 Starter Connection May Loosencritical
Official notice
- Component
- SEATS
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, xDrive30i and M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i and M40i vehicles. The front seatback frames may have been improperly welded, allowing the seatback to unexpectedly fold forward or rearward.
- Safety risk
- In the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury if the seatback folds forward or rearward.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front seats, free of charge. The recall began September 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service 1-800-525-7417.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.