BMW $800,000 Shark Fin Antenna Class Action Settlement

Current or former owners or lessees of a 2019 or 2020 BMW X3, X4, X5, X6 or X7 may be eligible to claim reimbursement for certain repair costs and/or receive an extended warranty from a class action settlement.

BMW of North America LLC agreed to settle a class action lawsuit alleging certain vehicles contained defects in their shark fin antennas. The lawsuit claims the company may not have fully sealed the antenna to the vehicle’s roof, potentially allowing water to enter and damage components below the antenna.

Who can file a claim?

The class includes all persons or entities in the United States, including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, who currently own or lease, or previously owned or leased, certain U.S.-specification BMW vehicles purchased or leased, registered and operated in the United States, District of Columbia or Puerto Rico. The eligible vehicles are:

• BMW X3 (model years 2019-2020 produced between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020)
• BMW X4 (model years 2019-2020 produced between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020)
• BMW X5 (model years 2019-2020 produced between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020)
• BMW X6 (model years 2019-2020 produced between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020)
• BMW X7 (model years 2019-2020 produced between Nov. 1, 2018, and March 31, 2020)

Class members who owned or leased more than one eligible vehicle may submit a claim for each vehicle.

What does the settlement exclude?

• The settlement excludes vehicles declared a total loss, sold for salvage purposes or branded with a “salvage” or “flood” title a from the extended warranty benefit.
• Repairs performed after the mailing date of the class notice are not eligible for reimbursement as the extended warranty covers those repairs at no cost at BMW centers.

How much can class members get?

The settlement provides two main benefits: reimbursement for certain past repair expenses and an extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the sealing defect.

Class members who paid out of pocket for repairs to the shark fin antenna, telematics unit or battery for the telematics unit before the settlement’s effective date may be eligible for reimbursement provided the vehicle was less than 10 years old and had fewer than 120,000 miles at the time of repair.

• Repairs at a BMW center (dealer): 100% reimbursement of eligible repair costs with no cap
• Repairs at an independent repair shop: 100% reimbursement of eligible repair costs up to a maximum of $2,000

The settlement administrator will reduce reimbursement amounts by any goodwill adjustment, coupon, refund or payment BMW, an insurer or a service contract provider makes.

For 60 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement, BMW centers will provide no-cost sealing defect repairs for any class vehicle regardless of age or mileage.

The settlement also extends the new vehicle limited warranty for the sealing defect to 10 years or 120,000 miles from the vehicle’s in-service date, covering all costs associated with diagnostics and repairs related to the defect. After the mailing date of the class notice, repairs for the sealing defect are free at BMW centers during the extended warranty period.

How to claim settlement benefits

To claim reimbursement for past repair expenses, class members can submit the online claim form or download, print and complete the PDF claim form%204.29.2026.pdf) and mail it to the settlement administrator.

Settlement administrator's mailing address: Craft Claims Administrator, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391

The deadline to submit a claim is Aug. 27, 2026.

The settlement website does not specify the form of payment.

Is proof or documentation required to submit a claim?

Yes. Claimants must provide documentation to support their claim for reimbursement. Required proof includes:

• Proof that the class member made the repair at an authorized BMW dealer or independent repair shop (if independent, proof of business license or state registration)
• Vehicle model, model year and VIN
• Proof of ownership or lease (identity of owner/lessee)
• Proof that the vehicle had fewer than 10 years and 120,000 miles at the time of repair (e.g., repair order with mileage, service records)
• Itemized repair invoice showing parts and labor costs
• Proof of payment (credit card receipt, statement or canceled check)
• Description and date of repair, including part numbers used

To file an online claim, class members must provide the class member ID located on the settlement notice.

Settlement fund breakdown

The settlement fund includes:

• Settlement administration costs: To be determined
• Attorneys’ fees and expenses: Up to $800,000
• Service award to class representative: Up to $5,000
• Payments to class members: Reimbursement for eligible repairs

Important dates

• Deadline to opt out: June 30, 2026
• Fairness hearing: July 28, 2026
• Deadline to file a claim: Aug. 27, 2026

When is the Craft v. BMW of North America LLC payout date?

The settlement administrator will issue payments on a rolling basis after the court resolves any appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The class action lawsuit alleged certain BMW vehicles had a defect in their shark fin antennas that could allow water to enter the vehicle and damage internal components.

BMW of North America LLC denied these allegations but agreed to settle the case to avoid further litigation costs and risks.

Sources

1. Claim form%204.29.2026.pdf)
2. Class notice
3. Settlement agreement
4. Settlement FAQ