BMW I3 Recall R/2021/158: The Control Ring Of The Backrest Recliner In The Second Seat Row May Break, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 28 Apr 2021
- Launched
- 82
- vehicles in the UK
- 0052980100
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled I3 vehicles built between 19 February 2021 and 5 March 2021. The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance. The dealer will replace the seat frames of the second seat row. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: THE CONTROL RING OF THE BACKREST RECLINER IN THE SECOND SEAT ROW MAY BREAK Defect: The control ring of the recliner of the backrest in the second seat row may break due to insufficient material performance. Remedy: On the affected vehicles the seat frames of the second seat row will be replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
The recall notice describes the concern as: the control ring of the backrest recliner in the second seat row may break.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the seat frames of the second seat row.
Are You Affected?
I3 built between 19 February 2021 and 5 March 2021 may be included. BMW estimates 82 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 0052980100 or the DVSA reference R/2021/158. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| I3During supplier s production process of the battery cells a manufacturing defect occurred with the winding of cell-internal films for the high-voltage battery | Urgent | R/2022/322 | |
| 3 Series Touring, I3, X1, X2The micro gas generator within the front seatbelt's retractor may have been damaged | Urgent | R/2022/089 | |
| 1 Series, 2 Series, 5 Series, I3 and 3 moreThe material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications | Urgent | R/2021/442 | |
| I3, Mini, X1The air bag control unit may have been equipped with a defective sensor for the rollover detection | Urgent | R/2020/162 | |
| I3, I8The electric motor electronics printed circuit board was not manufactured according to the specifications | Low | R/2019/289 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2021/156 on 27 Apr 2021, for incorrect headrest rods may have been installed in the backrest of the second row of seats…. The one launched after it was R/2021/168 on 17 May 2021, for the screw connection of the front seat belt buckle assembly to the seat frame may not be…. You can also see every BMW recall and all recalls launched in 2021.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/158, launched 28 April 2021. 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.