If your VIN is in recall 20V598, BMW will update the rearview-camera software for free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 312 2020-2021 530I, X3, X4, M550I, 550E, 540I, and M5 vehicles because a small portion of the rearview camera image is slightly obscured. If the driver relies only on that image while backing up, the reduced view can increase the risk of a crash or injury; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The rearview camera system on 2020-2021 BMW 530I, X3, X4, M550I, 550E, 540I, and M5 vehicles is meant to show the area behind the vehicle when you shift into Reverse. That image helps the driver see obstacles directly behind the bumper before backing up.
The issue is not a broken camera lens or sensor. The affected vehicles were programmed with rearview camera software that leaves a small portion of the rearview image slightly obscured, so the display does not fully meet the rear visibility rule. BMW traced the problem to vehicle programming, including vehicles built with that software and additional vehicles that received a dealer software update.
What you notice is the problem itself: after shifting into Reverse, part of the rearview image is blocked. Use a direct visual check behind the vehicle before backing up. The Park Distance Control system still gives audible and visual alerts for objects behind the vehicle.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 BMW models across the 2020 and 2021 model years, all tied to the same camera system.
| 2020 BMW 530I | Camera |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 530I | Camera |
| 2021 BMW X3 | Camera |
| 2021 BMW X4 | Camera |
| 2020 BMW M550I | Camera |
| 2021 BMW 550E | Camera |
| 2021 BMW 540I | Camera |
| 2021 BMW M550I | Camera |
| 2020 BMW 540I | Camera |
| 2020 BMW 550E | Camera |
| 2020 BMW X3 | Camera |
| 2020 BMW X4 | Camera |
| 2020 BMW M5 | Camera |
| 2021 BMW M5 | Camera |
| Units affected | 312 |
| 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?
A reduced rearview camera image can hide part of the area behind the vehicle. If the driver relies only on that image while reversing, the risk of a crash or injury increases. Check behind the vehicle visually and use Park Distance Control alerts as backup. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2020-2021 BMW 530I, X3, X4, M550I, 550E, 540I, or M5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rearview-camera software update that addresses the obscured rearview image.
- Bring the owner letter if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V598 when you call.
- Use mirrors and direct rear visibility when backing up until the dealer completes the software update.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or repair appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the rearview camera software and programs it with updated software when needed. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. BMW used its general reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a related rearview camera software repair before the recall notice, contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with your repair paperwork to ask about reimbursement.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 30, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 30, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| September 30, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 18, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
| November 23, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V598?
Recall 20V598 covers 312 2020-2021 BMW 530I, X3, X4, M550I, 550E, 540I, and M5 vehicles with a rearview camera image that has a small obscured area. BMW dealers will inspect the camera system and program updated software when needed for free.
What should I do if my 2020-2021 BMW 530I, X3, X4, M550I, 550E, 540I, or M5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V598. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the rearview camera inspection and software update. Reference recall number 20V598 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires BMW to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised BMW dealer will inspect the rearview camera system and, when needed, program the updated rearview camera software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a reduced rearview camera image when backing up. If the driver relies only on that image, the smaller view can increase the risk of a crash or injury. Use mirrors and direct checks, then schedule the free dealer repair if your VIN is included.
What if I bought this BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 20V598 when scheduling service.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V598000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V598 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V598000 |
Source documents
-
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 Quarterly 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 →