BMW i3s recalled in US only

BMW’s stop-sale order and recall of all i3s in the US, affecting about 30,540 cars, has no implications for New Zealand or Australia.

The recall is due to a “compliance issue” with US federal regulators over a failed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) crash test.

It is only applicable in the USA due to differing regulations around seat belt use, BMW Group New Zealand corporate communications head Paul Sherley says.

The BMW i3 failed an NHTSA rigid-barrier crash test for a small adult (NHTSA’s fifth percentile female) in the driver’s seat not wearing a seat belt, weighing about 45-50kg, and standing about 1.5 metres tall, the New York Daily News reports.

In the recent test the unbelted driver seat occupant sustained loads marginally above the limit, Sherley says.

Various overseas media say that in such cases neck injuries could be sustained at slightly higher than the acceptable limit during a head-on collision.

While BMW’s compliance testing showed limits well below the required limits, more recent testing has shown inconsistent results, Sherley says. “Consequently, BMW North America has issued a recall and is working with the agency to understand the differences in the test results.”

The recall covers model years 2014 to 2018 BMW i3s. A stop-sale order has been issued to dealers as well. All current owners of the affected i3 EVs in the US start receiving recall notifications in December.

The NHTSA test and recall will allow BMW to come up with a fix if necessary. BMW is confident that the i3 will be back on sale in the US early next year.

Meanwhile, US BMW i3 drivers are advised it’s still safe to drive provided they wear their seatbelt.

Seat belt wearing is required in every US state except for New Hampshire where only drivers and passengers under the age of 18 must wear one.

The wearing of seat belts is compulsory in New Zealand and Australia.