Recall 18V453 affects 5,594 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles for insufficient rear brake caliper piston coating. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 5,594 2018-2019 X3 and X4 vehicles because insufficient coating on the rear brake caliper pistons can reduce rear brake performance. Reduced braking performance can increase the risk of a crash, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear brake calipers on the 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4 are the clamping parts at the rear wheels. Inside each caliper, a piston pushes the brake pads against the rotor when hydraulic brake pressure reaches the wheel. That clamping force helps slow the vehicle and keeps the braking system balanced between the front and rear brakes.
On these vehicles, the rear brake caliper pistons were not coated correctly during supplier production. The coating is part of the finished piston surface, and an insufficient coating leaves the rear calipers outside BMW's production specification. That defect can reduce rear brake performance and increase the pedal travel needed before the rear brakes respond as intended.
The warning sign is a small increase in brake pedal travel. The pedal can feel like it moves farther than usual before the brakes take hold, even though the front brakes are not affected.
Who's affected?
Covers X3 and X4 SUVs from the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the same hydraulic brake system component.
| 2019 BMW X3 | hydraulic brake system |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW X4 | hydraulic brake system |
| 2018 BMW X3 | hydraulic brake system |
| Units affected | 5,594 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Reduced braking performance increases the risk of a crash. If the brake pedal travels farther than usual, treat that change as a warning sign and schedule the recall repair soon. Drive cautiously until the rear brake circuit is bled. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 BMW X3 or X4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear-brake-circuit bleed that addresses reduced rear brake performance.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. Reference recall number 18V453 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Leave extra following distance and avoid hard braking.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician bleeds the rear brake circuit to restore proper brake hydraulic service for the covered X3 and X4 vehicles. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by BMW. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. If you have prior repair paperwork for this same rear brake condition, ask the BMW service desk how the warranty coverage applies.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 6, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 6, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| July 6, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 21, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| August 21, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 31, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V453?
Recall 18V453 covers 5,594 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles involved in a rear brake caliper piston coating defect. The defect can reduce rear brake performance and increase crash risk. BMW dealers will bleed the rear brake circuit for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 BMW X3 or X4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific SUV is included in recall 18V453. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the rear brake circuit bleed. Reference recall number 18V453 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW will have dealers bleed the rear brake circuit free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced rear braking performance. BMW's filing says the rear brake caliper piston coating defect can reduce rear brake performance, which can increase crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair if your vehicle is included.
What if I bought my BMW X3 or X4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 18V453.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V453000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V453 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V453000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →