Recall 19V563 affects 20 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles for improperly welded front seatback frames. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 20 2018-2019 X3 and 2019 X4 vehicles because improper welds in the front seatback frames can let a seatback fold forward or rearward. In a crash, that movement raises the risk of injury, and BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The front seatback frame is the metal structure inside the driver and front passenger seatbacks on the 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4. It gives the seatback its shape, holds the cushion and trim in place, and keeps the seatback upright when the vehicle accelerates, brakes, or hits a bump.
On affected vehicles, the frame was not welded to BMW specifications. The supplier's welding robot had a control signal wire problem, so suspect frames left the supplier with welds that were not strong enough for the seatback's normal loads. That weak weld area can let the seatback fold forward or rearward unexpectedly instead of staying locked in position.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seat can look and feel normal until the weld gives way, so the VIN is what decides whether this seat frame problem applies to a specific X3 or X4.
Who's affected?
Covers the X3 and X4 across the 2018 and 2019 model years, all tied to the seat assembly.
| 2018 BMW X3 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW X3 | seat assembly |
| 2019 BMW X4 | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 20 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, a front seatback that folds forward or rearward increases injury risk for the person using that seat. If your VIN is included, schedule the front seat replacement soon and use caution until the dealer completes the recall repair. 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 front-seat replacement that addresses improperly welded seatback frames.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V563 when you call.
- Limit use of the vehicle until the repair is complete; in a crash, an affected front seatback can fold forward or rearward.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the complete front seat structures covered by this recall. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the BMW service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| July 31, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 31, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| July 31, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 23, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 27, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V563?
Recall 19V563 covers 20 2018-2019 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles with front seatback frames that were improperly welded. The seatback can unexpectedly fold forward or rearward, which increases injury risk in a crash. BMW dealers will replace the front seats 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 vehicle is included in recall 19V563. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule front-seat replacement. Reference recall number 19V563 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW will replace the front seats free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is seatback movement during a crash. If the front seatback folds forward or rearward, the occupant has an increased risk of injury. BMW's remedy is front-seat replacement at the dealer, free of charge.
What if I bought my BMW X3 or X4 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X3 or X4 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 19V563.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V563000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V563 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V563000 |
Source documents
-
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →