BMW X3 and X4 front seatbacks may fold unexpectedly
high How serious is it? About this label
The seat is unlikely to hurt you during normal driving, but it could leave you badly protected in a crash; BMW has not told owners to stop driving, so use the car normally and schedule the repair.
What's wrong, in plain English
The metal frame inside the front seat backrests may have been welded badly at the factory. A weak weld can let the backrest suddenly flop forward or tip backward instead of staying upright. That matters most in a crash, when the seat is supposed to hold you in place and take some of the force. A backrest that folds leaves you less protected and more likely to be hurt. Dealers will replace the front seats at no charge.
What you should do
2. Contact your BMW dealer for an appointment, or call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
3. Have both front seats replaced — parts and labor are free.
Affected vehicles (3)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- Why BMW seats get recalled: weak welds, loose bolts, head restraints · all 9 BMW recalls in this area
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.