BMW 5 Series Recall R/2013/149: Towing Ball Hitch May Detach, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 20 Dec 2013
- Launched
- 13
- vehicles in the UK
- 0062330100
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 5 Series vehicles built between 28 June 2013 and 12 November 2013. Electronically deployed tow hitch is automatically deployed by button located ion luggage compartment. The dealer will reprogramme the control unit/instrument cluster. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Electronically deployed tow hitch is automatically deployed by button located ion luggage compartment. The pivot uses a mechanical control link which is electrically adjusted. This is necessary to prevent a loosening or shaking loose of the end stop during driving. Due to a software error in the instrument cluster the driver may not in certain cases get prior warning if the adjustment fails. The consequences of this are that the ball hitch can shake loose from the end stop whilst driving. The control link can break due to the imposed load of the trailer and the hitch can pivot downwards causing loosening/detachment of the trailer and adversely affect the vehicle control.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: TOWING BALL HITCH MAY DETACH Defect: Electronically deployed tow hitch is automatically deployed by button located ion luggage compartment. The pivot uses a mechanical control link which is electrically adjusted. This is necessary to prevent a loosening or shaking loose of the end stop during driving. Due to a software error in the instrument cluster the driver may not in certain cases get prior warning if the adjustment fails. The consequences of this are that the ball hitch can shake loose from the end stop whilst driving. The control link can break due to the imposed load of the trailer and the hitch can pivot downwards causing loosening/detachment of the trailer and adversely affect the vehicle control. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and reprogramme the control unit/instrument cluster.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could cause loosening/detachment of the trailer and adversely affect the vehicle control.
The Fix
The dealer will reprogramme the control unit/instrument cluster. The fix is a software update, which usually takes under an hour at the dealer.
Are You Affected?
5 Series built between 28 June 2013 and 12 November 2013 may be included. BMW estimates 13 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the campaign code 0062330100 or the DVSA reference R/2013/149. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, 7 Series - High Security and 2 moreChecking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness | Urgent | R/2026/092 | |
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 5 SeriesProgram control units (CoC documents) | Low | R/2026/075 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2013/137 on 10 Dec 2013, for front passenger airbag may not deploy correctly. The one launched after it was R/2013/129 on 28 Jan 2014, for braking assistance may be affected. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2013 and software recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2013/149, launched 20 December 2013. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.