Service Bulletin

2021-2023 BMW X-Series Exterior Mirror Fault

Owners of 2021-2023 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 vehicles may experience an exterior mirror fault. This issue stems from an imprecise voltage measurement in the Local Interconnect Network module, a consequence of semiconductor supply adjustments.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2023 BMW X5
2023 BMW X5 — BMW X5 exterior mirror fault
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
NHTSA 10238080VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICESELECTRICAL SYSTEMLocal Interconnect Network moduleexterior mirrorsimprecise voltage measurementBMW X5 exterior mirror faultBMW X3 exterior mirror faultBMW X4 exterior mirror faultBMW X7 exterior mirror fault
BMW X3
2021–2023
BMW X4
2021–2023
BMW X5
2021–2022
BMW X6
2021–2022
BMW X7
2021–2023

Owners of certain 2021-2023 BMW X-Series vehicles, including the X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7, may encounter an exterior mirror fault. This issue, detailed in NHTSA communication 10238080, arises from a specific manufacturing change. Due to semiconductor supply constraints, the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) module in the exterior mirrors was sourced from a different supplier.

Symptoms of an Exterior Mirror Fault

The primary symptom owners might notice is an exterior mirror fault message or warning light appearing on the instrument cluster. This indicates that the vehicle's main controller has detected an anomaly within the mirror system. The underlying cause is an imprecise voltage measurement originating from the LIN module.

Root Cause: Semiconductor Supply Impact

The manufacturer communication explains that the Local Interconnect Network module in the exterior mirrors was switched to an alternative controller due to semiconductor supply issues. This new controller provides an imprecise voltage measurement. The main vehicle controller then misinterprets this inaccurate data as a fault within the mirror system. This directly leads to the reported BMW X5 exterior mirror fault.

What Owners Should Do

If you experience an exterior mirror fault in your 2021-2023 BMW X-Series vehicle, it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose the specific cause and determine if your vehicle is affected by the condition described in NHTSA communication 10238080. While the communication doesn't detail a specific repair, addressing the root cause typically involves a software update or replacement of the affected module.

It is important to have any warning lights or fault messages checked promptly by a qualified technician. This ensures proper functionality of your vehicle's exterior mirrors and related systems. Addressing the BMW X5 exterior mirror fault early can prevent potential inconveniences.

NHTSA ID: 10238080

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the exterior mirror fault affecting 2021-2023 BMW X-Series vehicles?
Owners of 2021-2023 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6, and X7 models may see a warning message or light indicating an exterior mirror fault. This is due to an imprecise voltage measurement from the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) module in the mirrors.
What is the root cause of the BMW X5 exterior mirror fault?
The fault is caused by a change in the Local Interconnect Network (LIN) module supplier for the exterior mirrors, necessitated by semiconductor supply constraints. The alternative controller provides an imprecise voltage measurement, which the main vehicle controller incorrectly interprets as a fault.
How can I resolve an exterior mirror fault on my 2021-2023 BMW X-Series?
If your vehicle displays an exterior mirror fault, you should contact an authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose the issue and determine if it's related to the condition described in NHTSA communication 10238080, providing the necessary repair or software update.

What BMW X5 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 27 model years.

3,423
Owner complaints
114
Recalls
1,651
Service bulletins
120
Crashes reported
159
Fires reported
132
Injuries reported

The 2023 model year

34 complaints, the 25th most of 27 model years on file. Owners reported 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury for this year, which also has 4 recalls on file.

Visibility and Electrical System, the system this article covers, accounts for 641 of 3,423 complaints (19%), including 10 for 2023.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X5
2001160
2006195
2008235
2009157
2011331
2012295
2013162
2015152
2019194
202334

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 749
  2. Air Bags — 663
  3. Electrical System — 587
  4. Power Train — 475
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 335

Latest recalls for the 2023 model year

  • 23V821000 — Power Train (Dec 2023)
  • 23V253000 — Seats (Apr 2023)
  • 22V942000 — Seats (Dec 2022)
All 2023 recalls →

Recent owner reports about visibility and electrical system

A manufacturer defect caused connector pin corrosion and thus the head unit dash stopped working completely and needs to be replaced. The head unit is what the back up camera comes through causing safety concern.

2023 BMW X5 owner, Jul 2026

Drivetrain malfunction creating error message of critical failure on brake system and chassis. The first of 2 such issues so far in 4 months of ownership. Car is under original mfr warranty. Dealer charged $600 to fix.

2023 BMW X5 owner, Mar 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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