Front assembly: head restraintRecall 12V-176 · 2012 BMW 3 Series

BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC recall 12V-176 covers 7,600 2012 BMW 3 Series for a front assembly: head restraint problem, reported to NHTSA on April 20, 2012.

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Vehicles repairedNo manufacturer report yet
Vehicles affected7,6001 model
ReportedApr 20, 2012Owners notified May 30, 2012
Complaints since1Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 12V176000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.

What's wrong

The problem

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM OCTOBER 19, 2011, THROUGH MARCH 18, 2012, THAT HAVE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINTS THAT EXCEED THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT LIMIT OF 25MM IN THE HIGHEST POSITION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 202A,"HEAD RESTRAINTS."

The risk

IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE HEAD RESTRAINT MAY UNEXPECTEDLY MOVE DOWN SLIGHTLY IF IT WAS ADJUSTED TO THE FULLY EXTENDED POSITION, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.

What to do

The fix

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.

CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

1 model

Vehicles in this recall

Built from October 19, 2011 to March 18, 2012. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.