BMW and Toyota Supra May Lose Brake Assist
medium How serious is it? About this label
Loss of brake assist increases the risk of a crash, though full mechanical braking remains available. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.
Key facts
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V598000 |
|---|---|
| Reported to NHTSA | Aug 2, 2021 |
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Part affected | Engine |
| Vehicles covered | 9 model/year combinations, model years 2019–2021 |
| Do-not-drive advisory | No |
| Park-outside advisory | No |
| Repair | Free at any franchised dealer |
What's wrong, in plain English
During engine start-up, a problem with the engine's control software may cause a loss of brake assist. Full mechanical braking, without the assist, would still be available. Losing brake assist increases the risk of a crash. Dealers will update the engine control software on affected vehicles, free of charge.
What you should do
2. Contact a BMW dealer, or call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, to schedule the software update.
3. The repair is free of charge.
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 21V598000. More in how recalls work.
Affected vehicles (9)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
Toyota — official Toyota recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-331-4331
The bigger picture
- BMW Engine Recalls Cover Oil Leaks and Brake Assist Loss · all 3 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
- ENGINE
- 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.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.