Vehicle recall R/2013/137

BMW X3 recall: Front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly

DVSA recall R/2013/137 names the BMW X3. It was launched 10 December 2013. DVSA does not record the build dates for this recall.

Recall data updated 22 September 2026

Recall: R/2013/137
Launched: 10 December 2013
Issued by: BMW
Manufacturer reference: 0051260300
Vehicles: 4 across the lines below

What can go wrong

The defect concerns the front passenger air bag. The skin of certain instrument panels was not correctly scored. In case of accident with air bag deployment the predetermined breaking point will not tear open resulting in the air bag deploying in the instrument panel. This will lead to insufficient restraint effect and possibly release of parts of the air bag system into the passenger compartment.

The fix

Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the instrument panel.

Models and build dates

As listed in the DVSA recall file. Vehicle numbers are DVSA figures for each line.
Model	Built	Vehicles
BMW X3	not recorded	4

Is a specific car affected? A recall lists models and build dates, not individual vehicles, so these pages cannot tell you whether one car is included. Enter the registration on the DVSA vehicle recall checker on GOV.UK, or give the vehicle identification number (VIN) to the manufacturer or one of its dealers. Buying used? Ask the seller for proof that any recall work was done.

Other recalls for these models

R/2013/095 Possibility of fire 10 September 2013, BMW X3, BMW 5 Series, BMW X5 and others
R/2014/068 Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving 28 July 2014, BMW 3 Series, BMW Z4, BMW X1 and others
R/2011/123 Risk of fire 5 October 2011, BMW 7 Series, BMW 5 Series, BMW X3 and others
R/2016/179 ISOFIX child restraint system may become insecure 6 June 2016, BMW X3, BMW X4
R/2016/300 Power steering may not perform correctly 21 December 2016, BMW X3, BMW 2 Series, BMW 1 Series and others
R/2018/073 Rear spoiler may be insecure 19 March 2018, BMW X3

Found one you might buy?

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Source

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: DVSA vehicle recall records (RecallsFile.csv), recalls launched 1992 to 2026. Recall data updated 22 September 2026.

Recall wording is DVSA's, with capitals and punctuation tidied and American spellings such as tire, center and windshield given in British English. We list a recall when its make and model match a car or van family with at least 1,000 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2025, and when the maker of the vehicle issued it.

Not affiliated with or endorsed by DVSA. Methodology · Data sources