The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front passenger seat occupant classification system may have been improperly assembled, which could result in the misclassification of the seat as unoccupied, and deactivate the front air bag.
The risk
A deactivated front air bag will not deploy in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix
Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 21V-521 (21V521000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger |
| Report date | July 8, 2021 |
| Owners notified | September 3, 2021 |
| Vehicles affected | 138 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Owner complaints about the air bags
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 21V-521 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the seat foam, which includes the occupant classification system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 138 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.