Recall 23V821 covers 552 select 2023 BMW vehicles and Toyota Supra vehicles for transmission-control leaks. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 552 2023 vehicles, including the Z4, X3, and Supra, because the integrated transmission control unit cover was not welded properly. Transmission oil can leak into the control unit and seize transmission gears, causing sudden loss of drive power; BMW dealers will complete the free repair.
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 integrated transmission control unit in these 2023 BMW recall vehicles is the electronic module that manages automatic transmission shifting. It reads signals from the vehicle and sends commands inside the transmission so gear changes happen at the right time. The unit sits in a housing with a welded cover that is supposed to keep transmission oil away from the electronics.
On affected vehicles, that welded cover was not made to specification by the supplier. The joint between the housing halves fails to seal the unit as designed, so automatic transmission oil leaks into the control unit. Once oil reaches the electronic components, the transmission controller is no longer protected from fluid contact.
There is no warning sign before failure. The filing does not list a light, sound, shift change, or fluid smell that owners can count on before the control unit is affected.
Who's affected?
Covers 10 2023 model lines, all using the same integrated transmission control unit.
| 2023 BMW Z4 | automatic transmission |
|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X3 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW 8 Series | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW 3 Series | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW X5 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW 5 Series | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW X4 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW X6 | automatic transmission |
| 2023 BMW 4 Series | automatic transmission |
| 2023 Toyota Supra | automatic transmission |
| Units affected | 552 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2023 model line does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Transmission oil leaking into the control unit can seize the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing crash risk. If your vehicle loses drive power or shows transmission trouble, move out of traffic when safe and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023 BMW Z4, X3, 8 Series, 3 Series, X5, 5 Series, X4, X6, 4 Series, or Toyota Supra is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free transmission mechatronics module and fluid replacement that fixes the transmission-oil leak into the control unit.
- Bring the owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 23V821 when you call.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete because the leak can cause sudden loss of drive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the transmission mechatronics module and automatic transmission fluid as needed. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. BMW uses its standard reimbursement plan for this campaign. If you already paid out of pocket for a repair tied to the transmission control unit oil leak, keep your receipts and prior invoices, then ask BMW customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 6, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 6, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| December 6, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 26, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 1, 2024 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 1, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V821?
Recall 23V821 covers 552 2023 BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles with an automatic transmission control module cover that was not welded properly. Transmission oil can leak into the control unit, seize the transmission gears, cause sudden loss of drive power, and increase crash risk.
What should I do if my 2023 BMW or Toyota Supra is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V821. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the repair. Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and automatic transmission fluid, as needed, free of charge.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and automatic transmission fluid, as needed, free of charge for vehicles included in recall 23V821.
Is it safe to drive before the repair is done?
This recall does not carry a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is still serious: leaking transmission oil can enter the control unit, seize the transmission gears, and cause sudden loss of drive power. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free dealer repair.
When were owners notified about recall 23V821?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on January 26, 2024. If you bought the vehicle used or did not receive a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then reference recall 23V821 when you call the dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V821000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V821 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V821000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →