Recall 21V831 affects 2,577 2022 BMW X4 vehicles for rear license plate lamp cutouts. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 2,577 2022 X4 vehicles because the rear license plate is not illuminated properly. The lamp cutouts are incorrectly positioned, which can confuse other drivers and increase the risk of a crash; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The rear license plate bracket on the 2022 BMW X4 holds the plate in the correct position at the back of the vehicle. The rear plate lamp is supposed to shine on that plate so it stays readable at night and in low light. Federal lighting rules require that illumination because the plate needs to be visible from behind the vehicle.
On affected X4 vehicles, BMW found that a rear bumper design change, combined with the license plate bracket, left the plate outside the intended light pattern. The light itself is part of the exterior lighting system, but the bracket position interferes with full illumination. That means the vehicle does not fully meet FMVSS 108 for rear license plate lighting.
There is no warning sign before failure. Owners are unlikely to see a dashboard alert for this issue, but a dim or partly shadowed rear plate is the visible clue.
Who's affected?
| 2022 BMW X4 | Exterior lighting |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,577 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2022 BMW X4 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
The misplaced license plate lamp cutouts can make the rear lighting pattern confusing to drivers behind the vehicle, increasing crash risk. Drive with extra spacing and schedule the bracket modification soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022 BMW X4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear-license-plate-bracket modification that corrects the plate-lighting position.
- Bring the recall notice if you received one. If not, reference recall number 21V831 when you call.
- Drive with extra care until the bracket modification is complete, because this recall involves rear license plate lighting.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about recall number 21V831.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician modifies the rear license plate bracket so the plate lighting works as intended. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by BMW. 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 that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| October 22, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 22, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| October 22, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 14, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| December 17, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V831?
Recall 21V831 covers 2,577 2022 BMW X4 vehicles with rear license plate lamps that do not illuminate the plate properly. The issue creates a lighting compliance problem and can confuse other drivers, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers modify the rear license plate bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2022 BMW X4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V831. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the rear license plate bracket modification. Reference recall number 21V831 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair recall defects at no cost. BMW will modify the rear license plate bracket free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer, regardless of where the vehicle was purchased.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced visibility of the rear license plate lighting. BMW says incorrectly positioned lamp cutouts can confuse other drivers on the road, increasing crash risk. This recall does not carry a do-not-drive instruction, but the dealer repair should still be completed.
When were owners notified about recall 21V831?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on December 17, 2021. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your 2022 BMW X4 is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer for the free repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V831000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V831 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V831000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →