Recall 22V942 affects 4 2023 BMW X5 vehicles for an incorrectly installed driver's seat backrest bolt. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 4 2023 X5 vehicles because one of the four bolts connecting the driver's seat backrest to the seat frame was incorrectly installed. A loose backrest can fail to restrain the driver properly during a crash, which increases the risk of injury; BMW dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The front seat in the 2023 BMW X5 is built around a seat frame and a backrest. Critical fasteners connect the driver's backrest to that frame, so the seat stays locked in the correct position while the vehicle is driven and during a crash load. Those bolts are part of the seat structure, not trim hardware.
On affected X5 vehicles, one of the four bolts that connects the driver's backrest to the seat frame was not installed to the correct torque. BMW traced the issue to incorrect software parameters in the supplier's bolt-torquing process. The tool readings appeared within specification, but the bolt torque was out of specification, leaving the backrest attachment weaker than intended.
There is no warning sign before failure. The seat can look and feel normal, so the VIN check and dealer inspection are the reliable way to confirm whether this BMW is included in NHTSA campaign 22V942.
Who's affected?
| 2023 BMW X5 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 4 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2023 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose driver's seat backrest can fail to restrain the driver properly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. If your VIN is included, schedule the inspection soon so the dealer can secure the seatback if needed. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driver's-seat-backrest inspection and bolt installation that secures the backrest to the seat frame.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one, or reference recall number 22V942 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the inspection is complete, and call the dealer before driving again if the driver's seat backrest feels loose.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about this recall.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driver's seat backrest where it connects to the seat frame. If the inspection shows the attachment bolt was not installed correctly, the technician installs the required bolt. The recall inspection and any bolt installation are free, with parts and labor covered. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program, because the remedy would have been covered under that warranty before the recall notice.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| December 19, 2022 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 19, 2022 | Dealer notification began |
| December 19, 2022 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 23, 2022 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 17, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 22V942?
Recall 22V942 covers 4 2023 BMW X5 vehicles with a driver's seat backrest fastener issue. One of the four bolts connecting the backrest to the seat frame was not correctly installed. BMW dealers will inspect the backrest and install the attachment bolt for free when needed.
What should I do if my 2023 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 22V942. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and schedule the driver's seat backrest inspection. Reference recall number 22V942 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 inspect the driver's seat backrest and install the missing attachment bolt for free at a franchised BMW dealer when the repair is needed.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that a loose driver's seat backrest can fail to properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing injury risk. BMW's remedy is a dealer inspection of the driver's seat backrest and installation of the attachment bolt when needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/22V942000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 22V942 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 22V942000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (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 →