Recall 23V039 covers 804 2023 BMW 230I and M240I vehicles for side air bag cover panels that can break. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 804 2023 230I and M240I coupes because second-row backrest cover panels can break when the side air bags deploy. A broken panel can interfere with air bag deployment and raise injury risk for second-row occupants, and BMW dealers will complete the 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 side air bag cover panel on the 2023 BMW 230I and M240I is a plastic panel in the second-row seat backrest. It covers the side air bag while the seat is in normal use. During a side air bag deployment, the panel is supposed to open in a controlled way so the air bag exits the seat along its designed path.
On affected vehicles, the supplier did not produce the cover panel material to BMW specifications. In testing, the plastic panel cracked during side air bag deployment. That break changes how the air bag comes out of the seat, which is why BMW recalled the affected production lot. The issue is tied to the cover panel, not to the air bag inflator itself.
There is no warning sign before failure. The cover panel is hidden in the seat backrest, and the problem shows up only when the side air bag deploys in a crash.
Who's affected?
Both listed models are tied to the same side air bag cover panel.
| 2023 BMW 230I | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2023 BMW M240I | side air bag |
| Units affected | 804 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2023 BMW 230I or M240I does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific coupe is included.
What's the safety risk?
A rear seat backrest cover panel can break during side air bag deployment. When that happens, the air bag can deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury to people in the second row. Schedule the repair soon and avoid using the second row until the dealer replaces the panels. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 BMW 230I or M240I is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free rear seat backrest side air bag cover panel replacement, which addresses panels that can break during side air bag deployment.
- Bring the recall notice BMW mailed, or reference recall number 23V039 when you call.
- Ask the BMW dealer whether to limit second-row passenger use until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels. The replacement panels and labor are free under the recall. BMW says prior repairs for this condition fall under the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, so there is no separate reimbursement program for this campaign. If you have prior repair paperwork, ask the service desk how the warranty applies to that work.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 1, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| February 1, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 24, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V039?
Recall 23V039 covers 804 2023 BMW 230I and M240I coupes with rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels that can break during side air bag deployment. A broken cover panel can interfere with proper side air bag deployment and increase injury risk for second-row occupants.
What should I do if my 2023 BMW 230I or M240I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 23V039. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule replacement of the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels. Reference recall number 23V039 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 dealers will replace the rear seat backrest side air bag cover panels free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V039?
The safety risk is improper side air bag deployment for second-row occupants. In recall 23V039, BMW says a rear backrest cover panel can break during side air bag deployment, increasing injury risk for people seated in the second row. Schedule the free cover-panel replacement once your VIN is confirmed.
When did BMW notify owners about recall 23V039?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on March 31, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN check still decides whether your specific 2023 BMW 230I or M240I is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V039000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V039 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V039000 |
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 →