Recall 23V253 affects 235 2023 BMW X5 vehicles for second-row head restraints without locking tabs. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 235 2023 X5 SUVs because the second-row outboard head restraints were built without locking tabs in the guide sleeves. In a crash, an affected head restraint can fail to properly restrain an occupant, increasing injury risk; the BMW dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The second-row outboard head restraints on the 2023 BMW X5 are the padded supports at the outer rear seating positions. Each head restraint slides through guide sleeves in the seatback, and those sleeves are supposed to lock the restraint at the selected height. That lock helps the restraint stay positioned behind an occupant's head.
On affected X5 vehicles, the guide sleeves were built without the locking tabs that hold the head restraint in place. BMW traced the problem to a production control issue that let an end-of-line validation step be bypassed at the seat supplier. Without the locking tabs, the head restraint has difficulty locking in position, so the seat does not meet the federal head-restraint standard.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner or technician checking the second-row outboard seats would notice the head restraint does not lock normally or feels loose when adjusted.
Who's affected?
| 2023 BMW X5 | seat assembly |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 235 |
| 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 missing locking tab can keep the head restraint from properly restraining an occupant during a crash, increasing injury risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the dealer inspection and replacement soon. 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 head-restraint guide-sleeve inspection and replacement that restores the locking tabs for the rear outboard seats.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V253 when you call.
- Limit rear outboard-seat use until the dealer completes the repair.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or repair appointment.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the second-row outboard seat head restraint guide sleeves and replaces the guide sleeves when needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. BMW used its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid for a related head restraint guide sleeve repair before the recall notice, ask BMW customer service or the dealer how to submit the repair order and proof of payment.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 6, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| April 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 29, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| May 29, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 31, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V253?
Recall 23V253 covers 235 2023 BMW X5 vehicles with second-row outboard head restraint guide sleeves that were improperly manufactured without locking tabs. In a crash, the head restraint can fail to properly restrain an occupant, increasing injury risk. BMW dealers will inspect and replace the guide sleeves for free.
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 23V253. If it is included, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the head restraint guide sleeve inspection and replacement. Reference recall number 23V253 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the BMW X5 recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will inspect and replace the second-row outboard head restraint guide sleeves, as necessary, free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 23V253?
The safety risk is reduced occupant restraint during a crash. BMW says a second-row head restraint without a locking tab can fail to properly restrain the passenger, increasing injury risk. The dealer repair addresses the guide sleeves and is free.
What if I bought my 2023 BMW X5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the VIN, not the first owner, so a used 2023 BMW X5 can still qualify. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 23V253 if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V253000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V253 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V253000 |
Source documents
-
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 →