BMW Recalls 2012 3 Series Vehicles for Head Restraint Defect
BMW is recalling 7,600 2012 3 Series vehicles because front head restraints may move down slightly in a crash, increasing injury risk.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (head restraint compliance) that increases the risk of personal injury in a crash, but no injuries or fatalities are reported in the source text.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 BMW 3 Series vehicles manufactured between October 19, 2011, and March 18, 2012. The recall involves 7,600 vehicles equipped with front seat head restraints that exceed the downward movement limit of 25mm when in the highest position. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 202A, "Head Restraints."
In the event of a vehicle crash, the head restraint may unexpectedly move down slightly if it was adjusted to the fully extended position. This movement increases the risk of personal injury to the occupant.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will attach a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts free of charge. The safety recall began on May 30, 2012. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW 3 SERIES
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Passenger Car
- Affected units
- 7,600
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 (1)
- 3 SERIES
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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