Recall 20V443 covers 5 2020 BMW X3 vehicles missing rearview camera software. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 5 2020 X3 vehicles because rearview camera software was not programmed during assembly, so the screen does not show an image when the driver shifts into reverse. That inoperative display can increase crash risk while backing up, and BMW dealers will correct the camera software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rearview camera software on the 2020 BMW X3 tells the center display to show the camera view when the transmission is shifted into Reverse. That image helps the driver see the area directly behind the SUV, which is why FMVSS 111 requires the rear visibility system to work as designed.
On affected X3 vehicles, BMW traced the problem to missing US market rearview camera software from assembly. The camera hardware is not the main issue; the missing software prevents the rearview image from appearing when Reverse is selected.
What you notice is immediate: shift into Reverse and the rear camera image does not appear. The Park Distance Control system still gives audible and visual alerts for objects behind the vehicle, but the driver has to check behind the SUV without relying on the camera image.
Who's affected?
| 2020 BMW X3 | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2020 BMW X3 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 5 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2020 BMW X3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the rearview camera image does not appear in Reverse, backing up is less visible and the crash risk when reversing increases. Use mirrors, turn and look behind the vehicle, and pay attention to the Park Distance Control alerts until the software repair is complete. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera software update that restores the image when you shift into reverse.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions and reference recall number 20V443 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete, and check behind the vehicle before reversing.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician programs the affected vehicle with the rearview camera software that was missing from assembly. The software update is free under the recall, and BMW reported that the affected vehicles had been remedied by November 9, 2020. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW 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
| July 29, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 29, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| July 29, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 14, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| September 21, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V443?
Recall 20V443 covers 5 2020 BMW X3 vehicles that left assembly without rearview camera software. When shifted into reverse, the rearview image is not displayed, which can increase crash risk while backing up. BMW dealers program the software for free.
What should I do if my 2020 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X3 is included in recall 20V443. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the rearview camera software programming. Reference recall number 20V443 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. BMW dealers will program the affected vehicles with rearview camera software free of charge, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
Is it safe to reverse my BMW X3 before the repair?
Use extra care when reversing until the repair is complete. The rearview camera image is not displayed on affected vehicles, so check mirrors, turn your head, and keep the area behind the vehicle clear before backing up.
Who can I call about BMW recall 20V443?
Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or contact a franchised BMW dealer service department. Give them recall number 20V443 and your VIN so they can confirm whether your X3 needs the rearview camera software programming.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V443000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V443 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V443000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →