Recall 13V570 affects 3 2013 BMW X3 vehicles for an instrument-panel defect that affects airbag deployment. Free repair at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 3 2013 X3 vehicles because an instrument panel tear seam was manufactured incorrectly. In a crash, the front passenger air bag can deploy improperly, which reduces protection and sends parts or fragments toward occupants; the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
On the 2013 BMW X3, the passenger air bag sits behind the instrument panel. The instrument panel has a tear seam, a designed break line that lets the panel split in a controlled path when the air bag deploys. That path helps the air bag move into the passenger space as designed.
For affected X3 vehicles, BMW says a production process error left that tear seam incorrectly made. In a crash with passenger air bag deployment, the panel is not prepared to split along its intended opening. That means the air bag deployment area is not built the way BMW designed it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The panel can look normal from inside the vehicle, and the problem only matters when the air bag has to deploy. A VIN check, not a dashboard symptom, confirms whether a specific X3 is included.
Who's affected?
The instrument-panel and air-bag listings point to the same X3 vehicles, so treat the VIN check as the deciding step before calling a dealer.
| 2013 BMW X3 | instrument panel |
|---|---|
| 2013 BMW X3 | air bag system |
| Units affected | 3 |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash, the front passenger air bag can deploy improperly, reducing protection and increasing injury risk for the front passenger. Parts or fragments from the air bag system can also strike occupants. Schedule the recall repair soon and avoid using that seat until the repair is complete. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask whether the free instrument-panel replacement is open for your VIN.
- Ask the dealer for the instrument-panel replacement that fixes the incorrectly made panel tear seam for the passenger air bag.
- Bring the owner notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 13V570 when you call.
- Call BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or dealer handling.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the instrument panel covered by recall 13V570. BMW's remedy says owners were notified and the recall began on December 11, 2013. The work is free under the recall, with parts and labor covered. The instrument panel replacement addresses the incorrectly manufactured tear seam tied to the air bag area, so the dealer handles the panel itself rather than a software update or owner adjustment.
Timeline
| November 15, 2013 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2013 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 13V570?
Recall 13V570 covers 3 2013 BMW X3 vehicles with an instrument panel tear seam that was not manufactured correctly. In a crash, the passenger air bag can deploy improperly, reducing protection and increasing injury risk. BMW dealers replace the instrument panel for free.
What should I do if my 2013 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X3 is included in recall 13V570. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and ask for the free instrument panel replacement. Reference recall number 13V570 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers replace the instrument panel free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced front passenger air bag protection in a crash. The air bag can deploy improperly, and parts or fragments from the air bag system can strike the front passenger or other occupants. BMW's free repair replaces the instrument panel.
What if I bought my BMW X3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 13V570 if your specific 2013 X3 is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V570000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 13V570 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 13V570000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →