BMW has recalled all BMW i3 models due to a safety issue. It will no longer be sold until the issue is fixed. There is a problem with frontal crash protection for drivers of the “5th percentile female” in the driver’s seat, when they don’t wear their seatbelt according to NTSHA.
When involved in frontal crash, of about 5-feet tall and 110 pounds have a “marginally higher risk” of sustaining neck injuries when not wearing seatbelt. Currently it is illegal to not wear a seatbelt in 49 of the 50 States, except for New Hampshire. Speaking as someone in that small tiny petite range, the recall is necessary. We have seen larger men state that this not worthwhile. People of all sizes should be kept safe.
“Delivery stop and recall 17 V – XXS BMW i3 frontal impact performance model situation
BMW group is conducting a voluntary non-compliance recall effective November 16th 2017 on all model year 2014 to 2018 BMW I3 Vehicles including BEV & REx products from startup production through November 14th 2017.
The issue involves a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standard with respect to frontal impact performance. Recent testing conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicated that the limit for one of many criteria was marginally exceeded.
Approximately 30,542 vehicles are affected by the this delivery stop/recall consisting of 1,159 in dealer inventory and 29383 Retail. All vehicles in the pipeline are also on hold.
When checked either in AIR or ISPA Next Once the warranty vehicle increase system has updated on Friday, November 17th 2017 it will display the same information the affected Vehicles will be identified with the comments stop.”
A repair solution is under development this bulletin will be updated with repair instructions.
BMW’s response was:
BMW has a long, well-documented history of pursuing the highest levels of active and passive safety. In a recent National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test of the BMW i3 – specifically the unbelted small adult rigid barrier test (NHTSA’s 5th percentile female), the driver seat occupant sustained loads marginally above the limit.
While BMW’s compliance testing showed results well below the required limits, more recent testing has shown inconsistent results. Consequently, BMW has issued a recall and is working with the agency to understand the differences in the test results. A remedy is forthcoming.
The BMW passive safety systems are optimized for safety belt use. BMW i3 owners should feel confident that their vehicle will perform well in a real world crash when the safety belt is used. BMW recommends that all vehicle occupants fasten their safety belts before driving, and keep them fastened for the duration of travel.
Customers with questions may contact BMW Customer Relations.