The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·23V821000·Announced 2023-12-06

2023 BMW models recalled for transmission control unit weld defect

BMW is recalling certain 2023 models with a transmission control unit weld defect that may allow oil leakage, risking sudden power loss and increased crash risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: This is a structural vehicle defect in the transmission control unit with a serious consequence—sudden loss of drive power that increases crash risk. The rubric identifies structural vehicle defects as Severe, and although no injuries have been reported, the concrete nature of the defect and its potential for serious harm justify a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2023 model year BMW and Toyota GR Supra vehicles due to a manufacturing defect in the transmission control unit. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly.

The defect allows automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit. Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Affected vehicles include the 2023 BMW 8 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6, Z4, and the 2023 Toyota GR Supra. A total of 552 vehicles are potentially affected. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024.

Owners should contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to schedule service. Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, at no cost. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or visit www.nhtsa.gov.

The recalled product

Product
BMW, TOYOTA Z4, X3, 8 SERIES, 3 SERIES
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Transmission Control
Hazard
Affected units
552

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 (10)

  • Z4
  • X3
  • 8 SERIES
  • 3 SERIES
  • X5
  • 5 SERIES
  • X4
  • X6
  • 4 SERIES
  • SUPRA

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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