Recall 20V083 affects 416 2019 BMW C 400 X scooters for a throttle cable that can freeze. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 416 2019 C 400 X scooters under recall 20V083 because water can collect in the throttle cable and freeze in cold temperatures. A stuck-open throttle increases crash risk, and the repair will be free at a BMW dealer once BMW makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The throttle cable on the 2019 BMW C 400 X is the line that carries your hand movement from the throttle grip to the engine control system. When you roll the grip open or closed, the cable is supposed to move freely so engine power follows your input.
On affected scooters, the cable routing lets water collect inside the cable near the throttle. In cold weather, that trapped water can freeze. Once the cable is iced, the throttle can stick or fail to return as expected, which leaves the rider with impaired throttle control. BMW traced the problem to the cable routing geometry, not to normal rider use.
The warning sign is unusual throttle behavior. If the grip sticks or feels delayed in cold conditions, treat that as a sign the throttle cable is not moving the way it should.
Who's affected?
| 2019 BMW C 400 X | Cables |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 416 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific scooter is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the throttle sticks open, power stays applied when the rider expects the motorcycle to slow, increasing crash risk. Unusual throttle behavior is the warning sign; if it happens, ease off, stop in a safe place, and arrange service. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 BMW C 400 X is included in this recall.
- Wait for BMW's owner letter before scheduling the free throttle-cable replacement that fixes the freeze-prone stuck-throttle condition.
- Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about repair timing.
- Reference recall number 20V083 when you call BMW or speak with a franchised BMW dealer.
- Ride cautiously until the repair is complete. If the throttle sticks open, stop riding and arrange transport to the dealer.
What happens at the repair
The dealer repair will be free once BMW opens it. At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the throttle cable with an improved version designed to address water collecting in the cable and freezing in cold temperatures. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW Motorcycle New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 13, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| February 14, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 6, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| August 19, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V083?
Recall 20V083 covers 416 2019 BMW C 400 X scooters with a throttle-cable problem. Water can collect in the cable and freeze in cold temperatures, leaving the throttle stuck open and increasing crash risk. BMW's remedy is an improved throttle cable installed free of charge.
What should I do if my 2019 BMW C 400 X is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific scooter is included in recall 20V083. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the throttle-cable replacement. Reference recall number 20V083 when you call, or contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. BMW's remedy states that the throttle cable will be replaced with an improved version free of charge. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair covered safety defects at no cost for vehicles included by VIN.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a stuck-open throttle. If water freezes inside the throttle cable, the throttle can stay open in cold temperatures. That makes the scooter harder to control and increases crash risk until the improved cable is installed.
When did BMW begin this recall repair?
BMW began the recall on August 19, 2020. Because that date has passed, owners of included 2019 BMW C 400 X scooters should use the VIN check and then contact a franchised BMW dealer about the free throttle-cable replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V083000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V083 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V083000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall 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 →