BMW recalling a grand total of three X3s over instrument panel defect

Wed, 18 Dec 2013

We've seen big recalls and we've seen small ones. Some involve millions of vehicles, and some – like the Infiniti Q50 recall on which we reported just the other day – involve just a couple dozen. But this has to be the smallest recall we've seen yet.

"Due to a production process error" in the BMW X3, states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the notice below, "the team seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly." Big friggin' whoop, you say? Well, NHTSA points out that it could hinder the deployment of the airbag and send fractures flying everywhere.

The problem was discovered in a select few examples of the 2013 BMW X3 – both xDrive 28i and 35i models – manufactured in the later part of February this year. And by "select few," we literally mean a few – as in three. Three examples are being recalled. If you happen to be one of those three owners, expect to hear from your local dealership.

RECALL Subject : Inst. Panel may Interfere with Air Bag Deployment
Report Receipt Date: NOV 15, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V570000
Component(s): AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 3

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.

REMEDY:
BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

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.

By Noah Joseph