Recall 21V598 affects 50,024 2019-2021 BMW 745LE, X4, X3, M340I, 540I, Z4 and Supra for braking-assist loss. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 50,024 2019-2021 745LE, X4, X3, M340I, 540I, Z4, and Supra vehicles because engine management software can cause loss of braking assist during engine start. Full mechanical braking remains available, but the missing assist increases crash risk; BMW dealers will update the engine management software free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The engine management software on affected 2019-2021 BMW 745LE, X4, X3, M340I, 540I, Z4, and Supra vehicles controls how the engine starts and runs. During start-up, it works with the engine hardware, including the oil/vacuum pump. That pump helps lubricate the engine and supplies vacuum for brake assist, which reduces the pedal effort needed to slow the vehicle.
Under certain engine start conditions, the software can allow a brief reverse rotation of the crankshaft. That reverse movement can damage the oil/vacuum pump. If the pump is damaged, the brake assist supply is reduced or lost, so the driver still has mechanical braking but has to press the pedal harder.
The warning sign is limited. BMW says full brake assist remains for approximately two or three full brake applications, or approximately six partial brake applications, before brake assist is lost. After that, the brake pedal will feel harder and stopping will take more driver effort.
Who's affected?
Spans 7 model lines across the 2019, 2020, and 2021 model years, all tied to engine management software.
| 2021 BMW 745LE | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X4 | Engine |
| 2020 BMW 745LE | Engine |
| 2020 BMW X4 | Engine |
| 2020 BMW X3 | Engine |
| 2020 BMW M340I | Engine |
| 2020 BMW 540I | Engine |
| 2019 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2020 Toyota Supra | Engine |
| 2020 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2021 Toyota Supra | Engine |
| 2021 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| Units affected | 50,024 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 33 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of brake assist increases crash risk. Full brake assist remains for approximately two or three full brake applications, or approximately six partial brake applications, before assist is lost. If braking feels harder than expected, drive cautiously, leave extra stopping room, and schedule the software update soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 745LE, X4, X3, M340I, 540I, Z4, or Supra is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free engine-management software update that fixes the braking-assist loss during engine start.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 21V598 when you call.
- Drive with extra following distance until the software update is complete, and call the dealer before driving if the brake pedal feels unusually hard.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the engine management software that controls engine start behavior and brake-assist management. The software update and labor are free under recall 21V598. After the update, full mechanical braking remains available, and the recall repair is complete. BMW used its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a related engine management software repair before the recall notice, bring your receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk and ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 2, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| August 2, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| August 2, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| October 1, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V598?
Recall 21V598 covers 50,024 2019-2021 BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles with engine management software that can cause loss of braking assist during engine start. Full mechanical braking remains available, but the loss of assist increases crash risk. BMW dealers will update the software for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 BMW 745LE, X4, X3, M340I, 540I, Z4, or Supra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V598. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the engine management software update. Reference recall number 21V598 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 update the engine management software free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V598?
The safety risk is reduced braking assistance during engine start. Full mechanical braking remains available, but the brake pedal requires more effort without assist. BMW says that loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.
When were owners notified about recall 21V598?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on September 17, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 21V598.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V598000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V598 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V598000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (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 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →