2022 BMW X4 Lighting Recall (21V831)

Recall 21V831 at a glance

What is wrong with the 2022 BMW X4 in recall 21V831?

The rear license plate may not be illuminated properly.

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022 X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, and X4M vehicles. The rear license plate may not be illuminated properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Is it safe to drive a 2022 X4 with recall 21V831?

NHTSA has not told owners to stop driving, but the risk is real: The incorrectly positioned license plate lamp cutouts could cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA describes the risk this way: The incorrectly positioned license plate lamp cutouts could cause confusion to other drivers on the road, increasing the risk of a crash.

NHTSA has not issued a do-not-drive or park-outside warning for this recall. Still, get the repair done as soon as it is available, and stop driving if you notice symptoms related to the exterior lighting.

Which vehicles are included in recall 21V831?

Recall 21V831 covers 2,577 vehicles: 2022 BMW X4.

NHTSA lists 2,577 vehicles in this campaign. Not every vehicle of these models and years is included, so check your VIN.

What is the fix for the X4 lighting recall?

Yes. Dealers will modify the rear license plate bracket, free of charge.

Dealers will modify the rear license plate bracket, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on December 17, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

When was recall 21V831 announced?

BMW of North America, LLC reported recall 21V831 to NHTSA on October 22, 2021.

This recall was filed 60 months ago. If your X4 was built in that window, the VIN check below is the way to confirm it is included.

How do I check if my X4 is part of recall 21V831?

Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If recall 21V831 is open on your X4, it will be listed there.

Look up your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls. If 21V831000 is open on your X4, it will be listed there. You can also ask any BMW dealer to run the VIN. The VIN is printed on your registration and visible through the lower driver-side windshield.

What should X4 owners do about recall 21V831?

Check your VIN, schedule the free recall repair, and keep a repair order for every dealer visit.

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm recall 21V831000 applies to your X4.
2. Call a BMW dealer and schedule the recall repair. Ask how long the repair takes and whether parts are in stock.
3. Keep a copy of every repair order. Check that each one lists your complaint, the mileage, and the dates in and out.
4. Keep a simple log of any exterior lighting symptoms with dates and mileage. Video of a warning light or the problem happening is strong evidence.
5. Count the days the vehicle is at the dealer. Days out of service add up toward California's 30-day presumption.
6. If the problem comes back after the repair, return to the dealer and contact a lemon law attorney.

What are X4 owners reporting to NHTSA?

Owners have filed 4 complaints with NHTSA about these vehicles since 2020, 0 of them about the lighting and visibility.

Too few NHTSA complaints about the lighting and visibility have been filed since recall 21V831 was reported (0) to say whether the fix is holding.

NHTSA’s public complaint database lists 4 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this recall, and 0 of them involve the lighting and visibility. Complaints are reports from owners and have not been verified by NHTSA, but a high count for the same component is a sign the problem is widespread.

• 2022 BMW X4: 4 complaints in total, 0 about the lighting and visibility

Can recall 21V831 make my X4 a lemon in California?

Not by itself. A recall repair that fails, or repeat dealer visits for the same defect, can support a California lemon law claim.

A recall by itself does not make a car a lemon. Under California's Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, what matters is whether a defect covered by the warranty substantially impairs the vehicle's use, value or safety, and whether the manufacturer or its dealers fixed it within a reasonable number of attempts (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)).

Lighting and visibility defects, such as headlights that fail, wipers that stop or mirrors that do not work, reduce your ability to see and be seen. They are often electrical, and they often come back.

The recall repair is available at dealers. If it works, great. If the same symptom comes back, the recall visit is one repair attempt and the next visit is another.

For the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, California presumes the manufacturer had enough chances if the X4 went in two or more times for a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four or more times for the same defect, or spent more than 30 days in the shop (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)). Direct notice to the manufacturer is required for some of these. The presumption is a shortcut, not the only path to a claim.

An owner who prevails in a lemon law case can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

Frequently asked questions about recall 21V831