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BMW i4 and iX may lose pedestrian warning sound

NHTSA campaign 23V026000 · Reported 2023-01-25 · BMW of North America, LLC

medium How serious is it? About this label

Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

What's wrong, in plain English

Electric cars are nearly silent at low speed, so federal rules require them to make an artificial sound that warns people nearby. On these i4 and iX models, the control unit that creates that sound can fail when the car starts up, leaving the vehicle silent. People walking through a parking lot or crossing in front of you may not hear you coming. A dealer will update the sound system software at no charge.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm your i4 or iX is included.
2. Contact your BMW dealer, or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, to schedule the repair.
3. Have the dealer update the external sound generator software — it is free.

Affected vehicles (3)

Who to contact

BMW — official BMW recall lookup

Customer service: 1-800-525-7417

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Official notice

Component
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
Summary
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles. During vehicle start-up, the artificial sound generator control unit may experience a fault and fail to generate the external pedestrian warning sound. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, "Minimum Sound Requirements for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles."
Safety risk
Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may be unaware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 9, 2023. 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.