Recall 20V516 covers 4,265 2019-2020 BMW Z4 and Toyota Supra vehicles for horizontally adjustable headlamps. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 4,265 2019-2020 Z4 and Supra vehicles under recall 20V516 because the headlamps allow horizontal adjustment and do not meet federal lighting rules. If the headlamps are adjusted that way, glare or reduced visibility can raise crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The headlamp adjustment plug on 2019-2020 BMW Z4 and Supra vehicles controls how the headlamp aim is set during assembly and service. Headlamps need a controlled vertical adjustment so the beam height can be aimed correctly, while side-to-side adjustment is restricted under the lighting standard.
On affected vehicles, the vertical and horizontal adjustment plugs were switched during assembly. That means the headlamps can be adjusted horizontally instead of being limited the way the standard requires. The issue traces to an engineering release error for the US market, not to a burned-out bulb or a broken headlamp housing.
An owner is not expected to feel or hear this problem while driving. There is no warning sign before failure. The issue is found by checking the affected headlamp adjustment plug setup, so the dealer repair path matters even if the lights appear to work.
Who's affected?
Covers both Z4 and Supra models across the 2019 and 2020 model years, all using the same headlamp adjustment plug.
| 2019 BMW Z4 | Headlights |
|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota Supra | Headlights |
| 2020 BMW Z4 | Headlights |
| Units affected | 4,265 |
| 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 vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Incorrect horizontal headlamp adjustment can create glare for oncoming drivers or reduce the driver's view of the road, increasing crash risk. Schedule the dealer inspection soon, especially if the headlamps have been adjusted. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2020 BMW Z4 or Toyota Supra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer for a Z4, or the Toyota customer service number in your recall notice for a Supra, to schedule the free headlamp inspection and adjustment-plug correction.
- Bring the recall notice if you have it. If not, reference recall number 20V516 when you call.
- Avoid horizontal headlamp adjustments until the inspection is complete, since incorrect adjustment creates glare and reduces visibility.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the headlamp vertical and horizontal adjustment plugs and corrects the adjustment setup as needed. The recall repair is free, and parts and labor are covered. Out of pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW or Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because warranty coverage applies to this condition. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| August 27, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 27, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| August 27, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 19, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 19, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 23, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V516?
Recall 20V516 covers 4,265 2019-2020 BMW Z4 and Supra vehicles with headlamps that can be adjusted horizontally. If adjusted that way, the lamps can create glare for oncoming drivers or reduce driver visibility, increasing crash risk. Dealers inspect and correct the adjustment plugs for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2020 BMW Z4 or Supra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V516. If it is, contact a franchised dealer to schedule the headlamp adjustment plug inspection and correction. Reference recall number 20V516 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. For recall 20V516, dealers inspect the headlamp vertical and horizontal adjustment plugs and correct them as needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility and glare from improperly adjusted headlamps. If the headlamps are adjusted horizontally, oncoming drivers can face increased glare, and the driver can have reduced visibility, increasing crash risk. The dealer repair corrects the adjustment plug issue.
What if I bought this vehicle used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you bought a used Z4 or Supra and never received the original owner notice, check your VIN and reference recall number 20V516 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V516000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V516 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V516000 |
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 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →