BMW North America Recalls Certain 2025–2026 SUVs and MINIs for Seatbelt Safety Risk
BMW of North America has issued a recall for a selection of 2025 and 2026 model year BMW SUVs and MINI models due to a potential safety defect in the front seatbelt system. According to the company, torsion bars in both front seatbelt retractors may have been damaged during production by the supplier, creating the risk of reduced restraint effectiveness in a crash.
The recall campaign applies to the BMW X1 and X2, both riding on the group’s front-wheel-drive–oriented UKL platform. MINI’s Countryman and Cooper, which share the same architecture, are also included in the action. Production dates for the affected vehicles span from June 20 through July 31, 2025.
The faulty components were supplied by Autoliv’s North American arm, with multiple part numbers listed in federal recall documents. BMW learned of the issue in September 2025, when Autoliv disclosed that the torsion bars may have been compromised during a maintenance operation at the supplier. Following that notification, BMW conducted an engineering review and traced the affected build periods.
At the time the recall was filed, BMW reported no known accidents or injuries connected to the defective seatbelt retractors.
Dealers were first alerted to the campaign on September 17, 2025. The official remedy is a complete replacement of the seatbelts with properly manufactured components. Owners will receive notification letters starting November 7, 2025, the same day BMW and MINI will post searchable VIN lists on their respective U.S. consumer websites.
For the U.S. market, both the BMW X1 and X2 are imported from Germany. Internally known as the U11 and U10, these models sit in the subcompact luxury crossover segment and are typically offered with a variety of engines worldwide. European buyers can opt for turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline units or even full electric versions, but American customers only receive the 2.0-liter four-cylinder from BMW’s B48 family.
The B48 is a highly adaptable engine, designed to meet upcoming Euro 7 standards and usable in both longitudinal and transverse setups. In U.S.-spec X1 and X2 models, it produces 241 horsepower in standard trim, or 312 horsepower in the M35i performance versions. Interestingly, Mercedes-Benz is expected to employ the B48 in select future vehicles as well.
Pricing for the 2026 model year starts at $42,800 for the X1 xDrive28i and $44,300 for the X2 xDrive28i. The M Performance versions are positioned higher, beginning at $51,900 for the X1 M35i and $53,400 for the X2 M35i.
Within the MINI lineup, the entry point remains the Cooper 2 Door, listed at $29,500. The slightly larger Cooper 4 Door costs $30,500, while the Cooper Convertible starts at $34,600 before fees and extras. Moving up the range, the gasoline-powered Countryman S ALL4 is priced at $38,900 for 2026. For those preferring electric power, the Countryman SE ALL4 carries a $45,200 sticker. The dual-motor EV delivers up to 212 miles (341 km) of range from its 64.7-kWh battery pack.
