Vehicle recall 12V176000 · April 20, 2012
2012 BMW 3 Series
Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 202A,"head restraints."
Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.
- 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 began on may 30, 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.
Recall details
- NHTSA campaign
- 12V176000
- Reported to NHTSA
- April 20, 2012
- Filed by
- BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Owner notification
- May 30, 2012
- Vehicles potentially affected
- 7,600
- Initiated by
- the manufacturer
- Components
- Seats › Front assembly › Head restraint
Vehicles covered
As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.
- BMW 3 Series (2012): 2012
Has your BMW been repaired?
Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.
NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.