Recall 19V589 covers 173 2020 BMW 745E vehicles because ECU software can disable the unbelted-driver chime. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 173 2020 745E plug-in hybrid sedans because a software error can disable the audible seat belt warning for an unbelted driver. Without that chime, a driver can forget to buckle up, increasing injury risk in a crash; BMW dealers will update the software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The seat belt reminder on the 2020 BMW 745E uses software in an electronic control unit, or ECU, to control warnings at start-up. When the driver starts the vehicle without fastening the seat belt, the system is supposed to show a warning symbol and sound an audible chime. That sound is part of the occupant protection reminder required by federal safety rules.
On affected vehicles, the ECU programming can turn off the start-up chime under certain operating conditions. The issue is a software design configuration, not a failed belt latch or a damaged seat belt. The visual warning symbol still appears in the instrument cluster, but the driver loses the immediate audible reminder at start-up.
What you notice is the missing sound. The seat belt warning symbol still appears, and a separate audible reminder activates after approximately 200 meters if the driver continues without fastening the belt.
Who's affected?
This recall involves two linked systems: electrical system software and the seat belt.
| 2020 BMW 745E | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW 745E | seat belt |
| Units affected | 173 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific sedan.
What's the safety risk?
The missing audible seat belt warning removes one reminder to buckle up. The instrument cluster symbol still appears, and a later audible reminder activates after about 200 meters, but do not rely on those cues. Buckle the driver seat belt before moving the car. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW 745E is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free ECU software update that restores the audible seat-belt warning.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW has mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V589 when you call.
- Buckle the driver seat belt before every trip, even before the warning chime is repaired.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the ECU software that controls the audible seat belt warning. The update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says the remedy would have been covered by that warranty before the recall notice. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies to prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 12, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 12, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 12, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 4, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 11, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V589?
Recall 19V589 covers 173 2020 BMW 745E vehicles with ECU software that can disable the audible seat belt warning for an unbelted driver. Without the warning, the driver can forget to buckle the seat belt, increasing injury risk in a crash.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW 745E is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V589. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the ECU software update. Reference recall number 19V589 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW dealers will update the ECU software free of charge. BMW customer service is available at 1-800-525-7417 if you need help with dealer scheduling.
Is it safe to drive my BMW 745E before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The defect involves the audible seat belt reminder, so buckle the seat belt every trip and schedule the free ECU software update with a franchised BMW dealer.
When did BMW start this recall?
BMW began the recall on October 11, 2019. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 19V589.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V589000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V589 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V589000 |
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 →