BMW and Mini Vehicles Recalled to Fix Child Car Seat Problem
The problem, which involves a faulty seat belt component, also affects Rolls Royces and the Toyota Supra
Over 21,000 vehicles from multiple BMW-owned brands are being recalled to fix faulty passenger seat belt retractors that could pose an issue for anyone trying to install a child car seat.
The recalled vehicles are all from the 2021 model year and include models from BMW, Mini, Rolls-Royce, and Toyota. (Mini and Rolls-Royce are part of the BMW Group, and the Toyota Supra is based on a BMW design.) On the majority of these vehicles, only the front passenger seat belts are affected, and it is not recommended to install a child seat in the front passenger seat.
However, the 2021 BMW 2 Series convertible and M2 Competition Coupe, 3 Series and M3 sedans, and 5 Series sedan may have faulty automatic locking retractors (ALR) in the rear seats. Because the ALR locks a seat belt tight for a snug car seat installation, a faulty ALR would make it difficult to securely install car seats using a seat belt.
The Details
Vehicles recalled:
Certain 2021 model year vehicles from four different brands are being recalled, including some of the following:
• BMW 2 Series coupes and convertibles
• BMW 3 Series and M3 sedans
• BMW 4 Series and M4 coupes
• BMW 5 Series sedans
• BMW Z4 convertibles
• Mini Cooper hatchbacks and convertibles
• Mini Clubman hatchbacks
• Mini Countryman SUVs
• Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUVs
• Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom sedans
• Toyota Supra coupes.
Only a small percentage of these vehicles actually have the faulty retractor.
The problem: Part of the seat belt mechanism called the automatic locking retractor (ALR) may not engage properly, which could prevent the proper installation of a car seat.
The fix: Dealerships will inspect and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. The fix is currently available.
How to contact the manufacturer: Owners should receive a recall notification by the middle of September 2021. They can also contact BMW at 800-525-7417, Mini at 866-825-1525, Rolls-Royce at 877-877-3735, and Toyota at 888-270-9371.
NHTSA campaign number: 21V554
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have any open recalls. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly to see whether your vehicle has had a recall issued.
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