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Recalls / BMW

BMW 1 Series recalls

DVSA has published 29 safety recalls that name the BMW 1 Series since 2004, 9 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 2,838,214 UK vehicles of this model.

Is your 1 Series affected? Check the exact vehicle

How the BMW 1 Series does at the MOT: BMW 1 Series MOT pass rate and common failures.

All BMW 1 Series recalls, newest first

  1. 1 SERIES, 1 SERIES 3 DOOR HATCH, 1 SERIES 5 DOOR HATCH, 1 SERIES COUPE, 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER, 2 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 2 SERIES COUPE, 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER, 3 SERIES, 3 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 3 SERIES COUPE, 3 SERIES GT, 3 SERIES SALOON, 3 SERIES TOURING, 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 4 SERIES COUPE, 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE, 5 SERIES GT, 5 SERIES SALOON, 5 SERIES TOURING, 6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 6 SERIES COUPE, 6 SERIES GRAN COUPE, M2, M3, M4 CONVERTIBLE, M4 COUPE, X1, X3, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M · takata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (global vins)

    18 Dec 2025 · R/2025/349

    Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.

    Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.

    369 vehicles · built 26 Sep 2007 to 14 Sep 2013

  2. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES GRAN COUPE, X1 · seat belt rear outer seats

    23 Oct 2025 · R/2025/443

    On affected vehicles either one or both of the outer most rear seats may not have been manufactured correctly and the sensitivity sensor may be deformed. If the sensor is not functioning correctly there is a risk the seat belt may not operate as intended.

    Fix: On affected vehicles the affected seatbelts will be checked and replaced.

    4,423 vehicles · built 7 Aug 2025 to 30 Sep 2025

  3. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER, 2 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 2 SERIES COUPE, 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER, 3 SERIES GRAN TOURISMO, 3 SERIES SALOON, 3 SERIES TOURING, 4 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 4 SERIES COUPE, 4 SERIES GRAN COUPE, 5 SERIES SALOON, 5 SERIES TOURING, 6 SERIES GT, 7 SERIES SALOON, 7 SERIES SALOON LWB, 8 SERIES CONVERTIBLE, 8 SERIES COUPE, 8 SERIES GRAN COUPE, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 · undetected egr system leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold

    22 Aug 2022 · R/2022/255

    Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.

    Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.

    • 1 SERIES: 322,745 vehicles · built 16 Feb 2015 to 26 Feb 2018
    • 1 SERIES: 322,745 vehicles · built 12 Feb 2015 to 1 Mar 2018
  4. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 5 SERIES, I3, M5, X1, X2 · the material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications.

    29 Dec 2021 · R/2021/442

    The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.

    Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.

    38 vehicles · built 22 Oct 2021 to 27 Oct 2021

  5. 1 SERIES · the blower regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands

    15 Mar 2021 · R/2021/064

    The blower-regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands.

    Fix: The blower regulator wiring harness will be inspected and a new part will be installed additional components will be replaced if necessary.

    • 1 SERIES: 181,011 vehicles · built 29 Aug 2007 to 21 May 2011
    • 1 SERIES: 181,011 vehicles · built 17 Nov 2006 to 21 May 2011
    • 1 SERIES: 181,011 vehicles · built 26 Sep 2007 to 21 May 2011
    • 1 SERIES: 181,011 vehicles · built 15 Apr 2004 to 22 May 2011
  6. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X3, X4, X5 · the exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time

    9 Feb 2021 · R/2021/037

    Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.

    Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

    • 1 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 28 Feb 2015 to 15 Oct 2018
    • 1 SERIES: 63,888 vehicles · built 6 Mar 2015 to 30 Jul 2018
  7. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, MINI, MINI CLUBMAN, MINI COUNTRYMAN, X1 · the exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time

    17 Aug 2020 · R/2020/179

    The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time

    Fix: The EGR cooler will be inspected on the affected vehicles and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.

    • 1 SERIES: 71,128 vehicles · built 14 Feb 2015 to 24 May 2017
    • 1 SERIES: 71,128 vehicles · built 21 Oct 2014 to 26 Jun 2017
  8. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES · camshaft support housing bearing caps may become loose

    27 Jul 2020 · R/2020/191

    It is possible that the camshaft bearing cap screws could come loose on the affected vehicles.

    Fix: Check and replace camshaft support housing or complete cylinder head as required.

    39 vehicles · built 18 Feb 2020 to 28 Feb 2020

  9. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES · the driver's air bag fabric could be damaged by the air bag cover during deployment

    27 Apr 2020 · R/2020/110

    This airbag fabric could be damaged by the airbag cover during deployment.

    Fix: On the affected vehicles the driver�s airbag will be replaced.

    1,121 vehicles · built 28 Jan 2020 to 11 Mar 2020

  10. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6 · exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

    7 Dec 2018 · R/2018/341

    The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk

    Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles

    • 1 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 6 Mar 2012 to 26 Feb 2015
    • 1 SERIES: 225,449 vehicles · built 3 Nov 2011 to 26 Feb 2015
  11. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X3, X4, X5 · exhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time

    5 Nov 2018 · R/2018/258

    The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.

    Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.

    • 1 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 23 Oct 2014 to 18 Jul 2017
    • 1 SERIES: 153,602 vehicles · built 29 Jul 2014 to 18 Sep 2017
  12. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 7 SERIES, MINI, MINI COUNTRYMAN · software fault in crankshaft sensor

    15 Oct 2018 · R/2018/260

    The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.

    Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

    • 1 SERIES: 1,642 vehicles · built 16 May 2018 to 26 May 2018
    • 1 SERIES: 1,642 vehicles · built 17 May 2018 to 28 May 2018
  13. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 7 SERIES, MINI, MINI COUNTRYMAN, X1, X2 · software fault with crankshaft sensor

    20 Aug 2018 · R/2018/211

    The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.

    Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.

    • 1 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 24 May 2018 to 7 Jun 2018
    • 1 SERIES: 4,025 vehicles · built 22 May 2018 to 13 Jul 2018
  14. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1, Z4 · plug in contact cable may malfunction

    7 Jun 2018 · R/2018/132

    The positive battery cable to the front distribution box behind the glove box can become damaged by vibrations and frictional corrosion. This may cause a loss of electrical connection to the distributions box. Symptoms include being unable to gain entry or start the car but the most common are a flickering instrument panel or uneven engine performance. However if the electrical connection is completely lost this will also affect the operation of the vehicles lighting systems; e.g. sidelights or hazard warning lamps.

    Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a suitable repair to the battery cable positive cable.

    311,848 vehicles · built 24 Oct 2006 to 30 Jun 2011

  15. 1 SERIES · backrest could fold forward under heavy load

    5 Feb 2018 · R/2018/027

    The latching element of the Easy Entry Kit on the driver's seat does not lock correctly into the lower swinging arm. As a result the backrest could fold under heavy load such as in a collision or unsecured load in the rear and harsh braking.

    Fix: The vehicle that is likely to be affected will be recalled and a new seat mechanism fitted. R/2018/027 refers.

    1 vehicle

  16. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X1, Z4 · driveshaft universal joint may break

    11 Apr 2017 · R/2017/132

    Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.

    Fix: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version

    • 1 SERIES: 10,849 vehicles · built 30 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011
    • 1 SERIES: 10,849 vehicles · built 20 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011
  17. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, M3, X1, Z4 · plug in contact cable may malfunction

    10 Apr 2017 · R/2017/114

    It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be made aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles with petrol engines and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

    36,410 vehicles · built 1 Dec 2009 to 13 Oct 2011

  18. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SEPIES, X3, X5, X6 · power steering may not perform correctly

    21 Dec 2016 · R/2016/300

    The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).

    41 vehicles · built 19 Sep 2011 to 8 Dec 2015

  19. 1 SERIES, 2 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 4 SEPIES · engine may stall

    8 Jun 2015 · R/2015/109

    The in tank fuel pump may contain sub components that have not been correctly nickel plated. This may cause excessive friction leading to the fuel pump being inoperative. The driver may experience a no start condition or in the worst case an engine stall. A warning lamp and error message will display. Steering and brakes will still function.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the in tank fuel pump with a modified version.

    • 1 SERIES: 1,646 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2014 to 31 Mar 2015
    • 1 SERIES: 1,646 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2013 to 30 Apr 2014
  20. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 6 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X1, X3, X5, Z4 · engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

    28 Jul 2014 · R/2014/068

    The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.

    Fix: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit

    2,967 vehicles · built 1 Sep 2009 to 30 Nov 2011

  21. 1 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X3, X5, X6 · possibility of fire

    10 Sep 2013 · R/2013/095

    Due to a fault with an internal connection within the Fuel Filter Heater (FFH) it is possible that during temperatures below freezing the FFH can remain permanently activated. This will normally cause the FFH to overheat which will result in the inability to start the vehicle due to a flat battery. This can occur even when the ignition is turned off. However in extreme cases it could cause a vehicle fire.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the FFH.

    21,502 vehicles · built 1 May 2009 to 30 Nov 2009

  22. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1, Z4 · loss of drive

    5 Jul 2013 · R/2013/080

    It is possible that over a period of time the bolt securing the clutch cover/pressure plate may become loose. The drive should be warned of this by the behaviour of the clutch noise from it or inability to select gears. Under certain conditions complete loss of drive could occur which could place the driver and occupant of the vehicle in a prone position.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the clutch bolts.

    4 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2013 to 30 Jun 2013

  23. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1, Z4 · engine may cut out

    4 Apr 2013 · R/2013/024

    It is possible that the connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat which is caused by high current flow and high contact resistance. Normally this will result in a non-start situation after parking the vehicle. However it is possible that this could in extreme cases occur whilst the vehicle is in motion. The driver should be make aware of the issue by flickering of the instrument cluster (dash) or an engine mis-fire; but if the driver does not then the engine could cut-out without warning.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the cable/connection with a more robust item.

    36 vehicles

  24. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES, X1, Z4 · eps may not perform as specified

    30 Jul 2012 · R/2012/081

    Due to a component in the integrated control module not being to specification it is possible power steering assistance may fail. If this happens the EPS warning lamp will illuminate and a check control message will appear on the dashboard display. Directional control will be maintained albeit with additional driver input.

    Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the steering box.

    • 1 SERIES: 701 vehicles
    • 1 SERIES: 701 vehicles · built 1 Jun 2007 to 31 Dec 2011
  25. 1 SERIES, 5 SERIES, 7 SERIES, X3, X5, X6 · risk of fire

    5 Oct 2011 · R/2011/123

    Moisture may enter the fuel filter heater at an electrical connection. Should this occur it can cause a discharge of the battery causing non starting of the vehicle. Also if it occurs whilst the vehicle is in motion it could result in a fire when the vehicle is left unattended.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the fuel filter heater.

    21,923 vehicles · built 20 Aug 2008 to 12 Jun 2009

  26. 1 SERIES · fire may occur

    4 Aug 2010 · R/2010/102

    The top seat belt automatic reel with pyrotechnic ignited pre-tensioner fitted is mounted too close to the sound insulation both nearside and offside. If the vehicle is involved in a substantial collision where the pre-tensioners are deployed a fire may occur as it is possible for the hot gases to ignite the sound insulation.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to rework the sound insulation fitted to both nearside and offside and if necessary fit new top seat belts

    25 vehicles · built 1 Nov 2006 to 31 May 2010

  27. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES · front side airbag or seat belt tensioner may not operate correctly

    30 Jun 2009 · R/2009/065

    It has been identified that due to faulty crimping of the component parts of the airbag wiring harness and seat belt tensioner the side airbag or seatbelt tensioner may not trigger in the vent of a collision.

    Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the harness checked and repaired as necessary.

    1,756 vehicles · built 23 May 2008 to 21 Jul 2008

  28. 1 SERIES, 3 SERIES · possible loss of braking power assistance

    28 Nov 2006 · R/2006/207

    A temporary fault in the greasing system on the brake servo sealing ring could lead to the sealing ring being subject to wear. In unfavourable conditions the seal may be pressed into the brake servo housing as a consequence of increased friction. The arising leak will cause a hissing sound audible within the vehicle interior with the additional consequence that there may be a risk that loss of brake assistance will ensue.

    Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the brake servo replaced.

    287 vehicles · built 4 Mar 2006 to 14 Mar 2006

  29. 1 SERIES · connections on the control arm to the rear axle may become loose

    29 Sep 2004 · R/2004/172

    The rear axle control arms may not have been fitted as intended. In consequence the connections on the control arms concerned may become loose causing unacceptable lateral forces to be applied to the securing bolts. In this situation exact alignment of the wheels can no longer be guaranteed.

    Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the subject control arms checked for correct alignment and if found not to have been fitted as intended they may require to be replaced.

    30 vehicles · built 19 May 2004 to 8 Sep 2004

Other BMW models

Source: DVSA recalls register, check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk, copy dated 6 Sep 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall is listed here when DVSA names this model in it; the build dates on each recall say which cars it covers, and a registration check confirms your own.