Recall 23V211 affects 51 2019-2021 BMW X3, X4, 330I, and M340I vehicles for improperly welded seat frames. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 51 2019-2021 X4, X3, 330I, and M340I vehicles over a seat frame weld defect at the seat rails. In a crash, the seat frame can fail to properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury; 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 front seat frame in the 2019-2021 BMW X4, X3, 330I, and M340I is the metal structure under the driver or front passenger seat. It connects the seat to the seat rails, which let the seat slide and lock in place. Those welded joints help keep the seat positioned during normal driving and under crash loads.
On affected vehicles, the supplier did not weld the seat frame to the rails according to specification. The problem involves the laser welds, the fused metal joints that fasten the frame to the rails. If that joint is weak, the seat can have excess movement and its structure can fail to hold as designed under certain crash loads.
The warning sign is seat movement that feels wrong. The driver or front passenger can notice front seat vibration, looseness, or noise before the defect is found.
Who's affected?
Covers four BMW model lines across 2019-2021, all tied to the front seat frame.
| 2021 BMW X4 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| 2021 BMW X3 | seat assembly |
| 2019 BMW 330I | seat assembly |
| 2019 BMW M340I | seat assembly |
| 2021 BMW 330I | seat assembly |
| 2021 BMW M340I | seat assembly |
| 2020 BMW M340I | seat assembly |
| 2020 BMW 330I | seat assembly |
| 2020 BMW X3 | seat assembly |
| Units affected | 51 |
| 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?
An improperly welded seat frame can reduce occupant restraint during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Front seat vibration or noise is the warning sign BMW identified. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and tell the dealer about any seat movement or noise. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019-2021 BMW X4, X3, 330I, or M340I is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free seat-frame and back-rest replacement that fixes the improperly welded seat frame.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V211 when you call.
- Wear your seat belt on every trip until the repair is complete; the recall involves seat restraint performance in a crash.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the seat frame and back rest connected to the seat rails. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are covered. BMW uses its standard reimbursement plan for owners who already paid for the same repair before the recall notice. Bring documented repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service for the claim path.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 29, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 29, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| March 29, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 19, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 22, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V211?
Recall 23V211 covers 51 2019-2021 BMW X4, X3, 330I, and M340I vehicles with a seat frame that was not welded properly to the seat rails. BMW dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest for free.
What should I do if my 2019-2021 BMW X4, X3, 330I, or M340I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V211. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the seat frame and back rest replacement. Reference recall number 23V211 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the affected seat frame and back rest free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V211?
The safety risk is occupant restraint in a crash. Under recall 23V211, an improperly welded seat frame can fail to properly restrain the person in that seat during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
When were owners notified about recall 23V211?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on May 22, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V211000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V211 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V211000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →