Recall 20V152 affects 15 2018-2020 BMW X4 and X3 SUVs for a loose instrument panel casing. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 15 2018-2020 X4 and X3 vehicles because the instrument panel casing was not tightened properly to the passenger air bag. In a crash that deploys the air bag, panel pieces can strike occupants and increase injury risk; BMW dealers will secure the casing free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The instrument panel casing on these 2018-2020 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles is the dashboard structure around the passenger air bag. It helps hold the air bag module in position and provides the designed opening path when the air bag deploys in a crash.
On the affected vehicles, the connection between the instrument panel casing and the passenger air bag was not tightened to specification during supplier production. BMW identified a condition where 2 of the 6 fasteners did not reach the required torque, which means the casing is not clamped as firmly as designed. If the passenger air bag deploys, that loose connection can damage the instrument panel and small pieces of the panel can separate.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is hidden behind the dashboard, so an owner would not hear, feel, or see a problem during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Spans the X3 and X4 across the 2018-2020 model years, with both the front air bag and instrument panel named in the campaign.
| 2019 BMW X4 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW X4 | instrument panel |
| 2020 BMW X3 | front air bag |
| 2020 BMW X3 | instrument panel |
| 2019 BMW X3 | front air bag |
| 2019 BMW X3 | instrument panel |
| 2018 BMW X3 | front air bag |
| 2018 BMW X3 | instrument panel |
| 2020 BMW X4 | front air bag |
| 2020 BMW X4 | instrument panel |
| Units affected | 15 |
| 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?
If your VIN is included, the risk is tied to a crash where the air bag deploys. The deploying air bag can damage the instrument panel and send small panel pieces toward the driver or passengers, increasing injury risk. Schedule the recall repair soon and drive with normal caution until it is completed. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2020 BMW X4 or X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free instrument-panel-casing replacement that addresses the improperly tightened panel near the passenger air bag.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V152 when you call.
- Limit driving until the repair is complete, since the risk involves panel pieces striking occupants during a crash with air bag deployment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the instrument panel casing and confirms it is properly secured to the passenger air bag. The recall parts and labor are free. BMW says prior repairs for this condition 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 for the instrument panel casing.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| March 18, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 18, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| March 18, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 11, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 11, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 15, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V152?
Recall 20V152 covers 15 2018-2020 BMW X3 and 2019-2020 BMW X4 vehicles with an instrument panel casing that was not tightened properly to the passenger air bag. BMW dealers replace the instrument panel casing for free.
What should I do if my 2018-2020 BMW X3 or X4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V152. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the instrument panel casing replacement. Reference recall number 20V152 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 instrument panel casing free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury during a crash that requires passenger air bag deployment. If the casing is loose, the air bag can damage the instrument panel and send small pieces toward the driver or passengers. BMW dealers fix the casing for free.
What if I bought my BMW X3 or X4 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to honor open safety recalls regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 20V152.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V152000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V152 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V152000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →