BMW X3 Recall 20V164: Seat belt sensors may misread belted occupants in crashes

What this recall means for you

Sensors in the front seat belt buckles may incorrectly detect a belted driver or front passenger as unbelted. If that happens in a crash, the air bags and seat belt pretensioners could deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury to the front occupants.

BMW will notify owners, and authorized dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles as necessary. The repair is free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. You can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, and you should check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 20V164BMW of North America, LLC

Component: AIR BAGS; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY; SEAT BELTS:FRONT:WARNING LIGHT/DEVICES; SEAT BELTS:PRETENSIONER
Problem: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, X4M, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, M850i xDrive Gran Coupe, M8 Gran Coupe, X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, and 840i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The sensors in the front seat belt buckles may inaccurately detect a belted occupant as unbelted, possibly causing the air bag and seat belt pretensioners to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk: If the air bag and/or seat belt pretensioners deploy improperly in the event of a crash, there is an increased risk of injury to the driver and front passenger.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the front seat belt buckles, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.