Recall 19V600 affects 2 2020 BMW M340I vehicles because the rear center headrest can fold in a crash. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2 2020 M340I vehicles because improper welding can let the rear center headrest fold during a rear impact crash. If the headrest folds down in a crash, injury risk increases, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rear center headrest in the 2020 BMW M340I is the folding head support for the middle rear seat. Its job is to stay locked in position when raised, so a rear-seat passenger has head and neck support during normal driving and during a rear impact crash. That locked position depends on an interlock inside the headrest frame.
On the affected cars, the interlock was not welded to specification at the supplier. The weld can break, allowing the rear center headrest to fold instead of staying upright in a rear impact crash. If that happens, the passenger in the center rear seat has less support at the moment the headrest is supposed to help control head movement.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the headrest frame, so an owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a change before the weld lets go.
Who's affected?
| 2020 BMW M340I | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 BMW M340I is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the rear center headrest folds down during a crash, an occupant faces an increased risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the rear center headrest replacement soon and ask the dealer how to handle the vehicle until the appointment. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW M340I is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear center headrest replacement, which fixes the improper weld that can let the headrest fold in a rear impact.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V600 when you call.
- Avoid seating a passenger in the rear center position until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the rear center headrest covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the remedy is covered by that warranty. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork for the rear center headrest.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 14, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 14, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| August 14, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 28, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V600?
Recall 19V600 covers 2 2020 BMW M340I vehicles with an improperly welded rear center headrest. In a rear impact crash, the headrest can fold down and increase injury risk. BMW dealers will replace the rear center headrest for free.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW M340I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V600. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the rear center headrest replacement. Reference recall number 19V600 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 to owners. BMW will replace the rear center headrest free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is increased injury in a rear impact crash. BMW says the rear center headrest has improper welding, and if it folds down during a crash, it provides less protection for the passenger using that seating position.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V600000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V600 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V600000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →