Recall 23V118 covers 120 select 2022-2023 BMW vehicles with door-lock software that fails to lock correctly. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 120 2022-2023 vehicles, including the I4, M440I, and M3, because a replacement electronic control unit installed during service was programmed incorrectly, leaving automatic door locking unable to lock as intended. If the doors do not lock while the vehicle is moving, a door can open during a crash and increase injury risk; BMW dealers will repair the issue free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The Body Domain Controller (BDC) ECU in affected 2022-2023 BMW I4, M440I, M340I, 430I, 330E, 330I, and M3 vehicles is a small computer that manages body functions, including automatic door locking. That door-lock feature is supposed to lock the doors as the vehicle is driven, so the door latches are in the intended state before a crash.
The problem starts after a dealer service visit. If the replacement BDC ECU was installed without the correct programming and coding update, the automatic door locking feature does not lock the doors as intended. In certain severe crashes, an unlocked door can open after the initial impact, which raises the risk of injury.
There is no warning sign before failure. The doors can appear normal during everyday use, so the practical check is whether your VIN is included and whether the dealer has corrected the BDC ECU programming.
Who's affected?
Spans seven BMW models across the 2022 and 2023 model years, all using Body Domain Controller software.
| 2023 BMW I4 | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2022 BMW M440I | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW M340I | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW M440I | electrical system software |
| 2022 BMW I4 | electrical system software |
| 2022 BMW 430I | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW 330E | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW 430I | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW 330I | electrical system software |
| 2023 BMW M3 | electrical system software |
| Units affected | 120 |
| 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 car is included.
What's the safety risk?
When the doors do not lock as intended while the vehicle is moving, a door can open during a crash and increase the risk of injury. Until the software update is complete, schedule the dealer repair soon and make sure passengers are properly secured. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 BMW I4, M440I, M340I, 430I, 330E, 330I, or M3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free ECU software update that restores automatic door locking as intended.
- Bring the recall notice BMW mailed. If you do not have it, reference recall number 23V118 when you call.
- Check that the doors are locked before driving until the software update is complete.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or recall coverage.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician updates the ECU software so the automatic door locking function works as intended. The software update is free under the recall, and parts and labor are covered. If you've already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to the same ECU programming or door locking concern, BMW's general reimbursement plan covers documented qualifying expenses. Bring the repair invoice and payment record to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 23, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 23, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| February 23, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 10, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
| April 17, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V118?
Recall 23V118 covers 120 2022-2023 BMW I4, M440I, M340I, 430I, 330E, 330I, and M3 vehicles that received replacement ECU programming during service. Incorrect programming can stop the automatic door locking function from locking the doors as intended.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 BMW I4, M440I, M340I, 430I, 330E, 330I, or M3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 23V118. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the ECU software update. Reference recall number 23V118 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair covered safety defects at no cost. BMW dealers will update the ECU software free of charge, including parts and labor, for vehicles included in recall 23V118.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V118?
The safety risk is that the doors do not lock as intended when the vehicle is moving. If the vehicle crashes, an unlocked door can open and increase the risk of injury. BMW fixes the issue with an ECU software update at the dealer.
When were BMW owners notified about recall 23V118?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on April 10, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received the letter, check your VIN and call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 23V118 to confirm the free software update.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V118000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V118 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V118000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →