BMW North America has recalled 3,256 units of its X Series vehicles (SUVs) due to a malfunctioning seat belt warning light. Of the multiple recalls issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the last week, BMW’s is one of the most significant. The recall affects models like the 2024 BMW XM, 2025 BMW X5 (xDrive40i, sDrive40i, xDrive50e, and M60i), 2025 BMW X5 M, 2025 BMW X6 (xDrive40i and M60i), 2025 BMW X6 M, 2025 BMW X7 (xDrive40i and M60i), and 2025 BMW Alpina XB7.
The NHTSA document describes the non-compliance: “This non-compliance recall involves the driver/passenger seat safety belt system. During supplier production, the hall sensor may not have been installed according to specifications. As a result, the sensor could indicate, erroneously, a belted condition instead of an actual unbelted condition. This could affect the logic of the safety belt warning system, and the functionality of the supplemental restraint system.”
In simpler terms, the seat belt system might incorrectly assume the passenger/driver has his/her belt worn and locked, and may not illuminate the seat belt warning light. It could lead to a potentially dangerous situation where the supplemental restraint system (SRS) does not deploy correctly during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified on 5th July 2024. According to the document, “the front seat (driver and passenger) lower safety belt will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced.” All repairs and parts replacement will be done free of cost.