BMW 2 Series, Mini Countryman, X1 Recall R/2018/171: Front Axle Swivel Bearings May Not Have Been Produced To Specification, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Book soon
- How serious
- 9 Jul 2018
- Launched
- 100
- vehicles in the UK
- 0031850100 0031860100
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 2 Series, Mini Countryman, X1 vehicles built between 24 April 2018 and 1 May 2018. Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. The dealer will check on the affected vehicles both swivel bearings and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. Due to an insufficient heat treatment the fracture strain has been reduced. The affected swivel bearings could break causing loss of wheel guidance during driving.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: FRONT AXLE SWIVEL BEARINGS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATION Defect: Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. Due to an insufficient heat treatment the fracture strain has been reduced. The affected swivel bearings could break causing loss of wheel guidance during driving. Remedy: On the affected vehicles both swivel bearings will be checked and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification.
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 loss of wheel guidance during driving.
The Fix
The dealer will check on the affected vehicles both swivel bearings and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification.
Are You Affected?
2 Series, Mini Countryman, X1 built between 24 April 2018 and 1 May 2018 may be included. BMW estimates 100 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 0031850100 0031860100 or the DVSA reference R/2018/171. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 SeriesReworking the PVC seam in the rear light housing | Urgent | R/2026/262 | |
| 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, 3 Series and 3 moreReplace the driver’s airbag: takata PSDI-5 | Urgent | R/2025/327 | |
| 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 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series Gran, X1Seat belt rear outer seats | Urgent | R/2025/443 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2018/170 on 9 Jul 2018, for engine control unit control of fuel pump. The one launched after it was R/2018/215 on 10 Aug 2018, for distance between sensor and in-tank fuel line could be too small. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2018 and suspension recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2018/171, launched 9 July 2018. 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.