Recall 23V026 covers 3,431 2022-2023 BMW Ix and I4 vehicles with missing pedestrian warning sounds. Repair will be free at a franchised BMW dealer once available.
BMW is recalling 3,431 2022-2023 Ix and I4 electric vehicles because the artificial sound generator control unit can fail during start-up and leave the vehicle without its required external pedestrian warning sound. Without that sound, pedestrians can miss an approaching vehicle; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The external artificial sound generator software on the 2022-2023 BMW Ix and I4 controls the outside pedestrian warning sound. Electric vehicles are quiet at low speed, so this system creates an artificial sound outside the vehicle to help pedestrians notice the vehicle nearby.
On affected vehicles, the issue occurs during start-up. The recall filing points to the sound-generator software and certain vehicle build configurations: the control unit experiences a fault, and the vehicle does not generate the required outside sound. BMW identified the condition during a plant quality check and found that it appeared sporadically in some test vehicles.
There is no warning sign before failure. The vehicle can start and drive, but the outside pedestrian warning sound is missing, so an owner or technician would need to listen from outside the vehicle to confirm the problem.
Who's affected?
Spans the I4 and Ix across the 2022 and 2023 model years, with the same external artificial sound generator software tied to both warning systems.
| 2023 BMW Ix | External/pedestrian alert |
|---|---|
| 2023 BMW Ix | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2023 BMW I4 | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2023 BMW I4 | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2022 BMW I4 | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2022 BMW I4 | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2022 BMW Ix | External/pedestrian alert |
| 2022 BMW Ix | External/pedestrian alert |
| Units affected | 3,431 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Without the required external warning sound, pedestrians have less notice that an affected BMW Ix or I4 is approaching, which increases the risk of injury. Use extra care around pedestrians and schedule the software update when the recall repair opens. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 BMW Ix or I4 is included in this recall.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to confirm repair timing for your VIN before scheduling dealer work.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer once the repair is open for your VIN and ask for the free artificial-sound-generator software update that restores the external pedestrian warning sound.
- Bring the BMW owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V026 when you call.
- Drive with extra care around pedestrians until the software update is complete, especially at low speeds and during start-up.
What happens at the repair
BMW has identified the dealer fix as an external artificial sound generator software update. Once the final repair is available, a BMW technician will update that software so the vehicle can generate the required outside pedestrian warning sound during start-up. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. Repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| January 25, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 25, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| January 25, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 9, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| March 17, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V026?
Recall 23V026 covers 3,431 2022-2023 BMW Ix and I4 electric vehicles with an artificial sound generator fault. During start-up, the vehicle can fail to produce the external pedestrian warning sound required for hybrid and electric vehicles.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 BMW Ix or I4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V026. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask about the external artificial sound generator software update. Reference recall number 23V026 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to fix the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced pedestrian awareness. Without the external warning sound, a pedestrian can be unaware that the electric vehicle is approaching, increasing the risk of injury. The dealer remedy is a free software update for the external artificial sound generator.
When did BMW notify owners?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on March 9, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN and call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 23V026.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V026000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V026 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V026000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →