BMW will be contacting a small number of 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicle owners to alert them about a manufacturing error affecting airbag deployment. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, three of the crossover vehicles, assembled between February 11, 2013 through February 27, 2013 were fitted with an instrument panel that may have been incorrectly manufactured. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 13V-570.

On October 10, 2013, BMW received a report about an accident which showed an unusual deployment of the front passenger air bag. Upon further investigation and consultation with the instrument panel supplier, it was determined that due to a production process error, the front airbag on the passenger side may have an incorrectly manufactured tear seam. If an accident were to occur in which deployment of the airbag was necessary, the tear seam may not properly separate from the instrument panel. The airbag deploying within the instrument panel housing will provide insufficient restrains to the passenger and/or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure passengers in the vehicle.

BMW has already notified owners to bring their X3 crossovers to their nearest dealership to have the instrument panel replaced, free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the airbag problem can contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.