BMW of North America has filed a formal safety recall with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) affecting a total of 25 2026 model year vehicles, expanding on details previously disclosed in internal recall documentation. The issue affects select BMW models X5, X5 50e Plug-In Hybrid, X6 and
The recall is listed under NHTSA campaign number 25V-837, with BMW’s official reporting date listed as December 4, 2025.
Affected models and model year
According to NHTSA documents, the recall affects the following vehicles:
- 2026 BMW X5
- 2026 BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid (xDrive50e)
- 2026 BMW X6
- 2026 BMW X7
All affected vehicles were produced on November 15, 2025 and the total population corresponds to BMW’s previous internal estimate of 25 units.
What caused the recall?
The recall affects the instrument panel, particularly the laser-perforated area that allows the passenger airbag to deploy correctly. BMW discovered that some instrument panels were not manufactured to a supplier’s specifications.
Internally, BMW attributed the problem to a tool change on November 14, 2025 at the supplier’s factory. During this change, a security camera monitoring the laser perforation process was accidentally disabled. The nonconformity was identified during the supplier’s quality control testing on November 17, 2025 and resulted in a technical review.
The analysis found that while many potentially affected panels were still with the supplier and blocked from shipping, a small number may have been installed on vehicles built the next day. BMW issued a stop order and decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall on November 26, 2025.
Security risk
If the laser perforation in the instrument panel is incorrect, the passenger airbag may not deploy as intended in a sufficiently severe collision. NHTSA advises that improper airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury in a crash.
BMW says it has no knowledge of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Remedial and Owner Information
As stated in the NHTSA recall notice, dealers will replace the instrument panel trim at no charge. Since none of the affected vehicles from the dealer’s inventory have been sold, no notification letters will be sent to owners.
Vehicle identification numbers (VINs) associated with the recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on December 4, 2025. Owners with questions can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
