A new recall was issued by BMW of North America for faulty head restraints. The recall affects 7,600 new 2012 BMW 3 Series manufactured between October 18, 2011 and March 18, 2012.
The recall bulletin states that in a collision, the head rest could move down by 25 mm, increasing the risk of a neck injury.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW plans to notify owners this month, and dealers will address the problem by installing a small clip to limit the headrest’s movement.
For more information, see below.
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / 3-SERIES 2012
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: APR 19, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V176000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:HEAD RESTRAINT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 7,600
Summary:
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.”
Consequence:
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.
Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL ATTACH A CLAMP TO THE FRONT SEAT HEAD RESTRAINT POSTS, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:
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.
