Recall 16V333 affects 188,668 2011-2017 BMW X3 and X4 SUVs for damage-prone child-seat lower anchor bars. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 188,668 2011-2017 X3 and X4 vehicles because lower anchor bars for child restraint seats can be damaged by European ISOFIX-style rigid connectors. The safety concern is higher injury risk for a child in a crash, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The lower anchor bars in the rear seating area of the 2011-2017 BMW X3 and X4 are fixed metal loops used with a child restraint's lower connectors. They are part of the LATCH attachment point, which is meant to hold the child seat at the base instead of relying only on the vehicle seat belt.
On affected vehicles, those lower anchor bars can be damaged when a European-ISOFIX-type child restraint with rigid connectors is used. The rigid connector places force directly into the anchor bar during vehicle operation. If the bar bends or shows damage, the child seat attachment point is no longer in its intended condition.
You can notice the problem when attaching a child restraint, especially if a connector does not latch cleanly or the bar looks bent or worn. Damage can also be noticed during vehicle operation, so check the anchor area again if a child seat has been installed.
Who's affected?
Covers X3 and X4 SUVs across the 2011-2017 model years, all tied to the same Latch strap component.
| 2016 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
|---|---|
| 2015 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| 2014 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| 2013 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| 2017 BMW X4 | Latch strap |
| 2016 BMW X4 | Latch strap |
| 2015 BMW X4 | Latch strap |
| 2011 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| 2012 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| 2017 BMW X3 | Latch strap |
| Units affected | 188,668 |
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?
Damaged lower anchor bars can make a child restraint less secure and increase the child's risk of injury in a crash. If the bar looks damaged while attaching a child restraint, or you notice damage during vehicle operation, stop using that anchor and schedule repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2011-2017 BMW X3 or X4 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free lower-anchor reinforcement repair that supports the child-seat anchor bars.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. Reference recall number 16V333 when you call.
- Avoid using rigid-style child restraint connectors on the lower anchors until the BMW dealer inspects and repairs them.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about recall number 16V333.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician welds a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body so the child restraint anchor points are supported as required. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for related repairs before the recall notice. Bring documentation for the prior repair and ask the service desk how to submit it under BMW's reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| May 19, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| May 19, 2016 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 23, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| July 12, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 13, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V333?
Recall 16V333 covers 188,668 2011-2017 BMW X3 and X4 vehicles with lower anchor bars for child restraint seats that can be damaged by European ISOFIX type rigid child seat connectors. BMW dealers will weld reinforcing brackets to the anchor bars and vehicle body for free.
What should I do if my 2011-2017 BMW X3 or X4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 16V333. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the reinforcement repair. Reference recall number 16V333 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and vehicle body free of charge.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is tied to child restraint anchoring. If the lower anchor bars are damaged, NHTSA identifies an increased risk of child injury in a crash. Until the repair is complete, ask a BMW dealer how to secure child seats correctly in your specific vehicle.
What if I bought my BMW X3 or X4 used?
The free repair still applies. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to honor the recall regardless of ownership history. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X3 or X4 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 16V333.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V333000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V333 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V333000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →