BMW SUVs Recalled for Faulty Child-Restraint Anchors

BMW of North America has announced a recall for 188,668 units of BMW X3 and X4 crossover SUVs from 2011 to 2017 model years due to faulty child-restraint anchors.

The specific problem is the Isofix child-restraint anchors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the U.S. stated that the SUVs may have been produced with an out-of-spec seal for the front driveshaft’s U-joint, allowing water and dirt intrusion. The joint is faulty and can eventually break, though drivers are typically warned by noise or vibration before the components completely fail.

“If the front universal joint fails, the front wheels would not be driven, affecting vehicle traction,” says the recall documents. “Additionally, continued driving of the vehicle with a broken front universal joint may damage other components. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.”

The issue was initially handled two years ago as a service action, however BMW has just decided to launch a safety recall after the volume of consumer complaints increased. It is better safe than sorry.

If you’re curious if your car is included in the recall, please check this list:

2011-’17 BMW X3 sDrive28i
2011-’17 BMW X3 xDrive28i
2011-’17 BMW X3 xDrive35i
2015-’17 BMW X3 xDrive28d
2015-’17 BMW X4 xdrive28i
2015-’17 BMW X4 xDrive35i
2015-’17 BMW X4 xDriveM40i

BMW dealers in North America will use a reinforcing bracket to the lower the faulty anchor bars and the vehicle body. Recalls will begin on July 12.