The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·23V026000·Announced 2023-01-25

2022-2023 BMW i4 and iX Vehicles Lack Pedestrian Warning Sounds

BMW is recalling 2022-2023 i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles because the external pedestrian warning sound system may fail during start-up. Pedestrians could be unaware of approaching vehicles, increasing injury risk.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle defect—a non-functioning safety system required by federal law (FMVSS 141). Although no injuries have been reported, the failure to emit required pedestrian warning sounds creates a material risk of pedestrian harm.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2022-2023 BMW i4 eDrive40 and iX xDrive50 electric vehicles. During vehicle start-up, the external artificial sound generator control unit may experience a fault and fail to generate the external pedestrian warning sound. These vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 141, which requires minimum sound output for hybrid and electric vehicles.

Approximately 3,431 vehicles are affected. Without external warning sounds, pedestrians may not be aware of an approaching vehicle, increasing the risk of pedestrian injury.

Owners were sent notification letters beginning March 9, 2023. BMW dealers will update the external artificial sound generator software at no charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule service. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provides additional information at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or www.nhtsa.gov.

The recalled product

Product
BMW IX, I4
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Pedestrian Alert System
Hazard
Affected units
3,431

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (2)

  • IX
  • I4

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · BMW

Same manufacturer · BMW of North America, LLC

See all →

Same hazard · warning sound failure

See all →

Similar recalls