BMW recalls Toyota Supra and 27,000 BMW cars for brake assist problem

Westwood, NJ – September 4, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 50,024 vehicles that may lose the brake assist function due to a software issue. The recall includes 2020 – 2021 Toyota Supra sports cars made with BMW engines and the following BMW models:

  • 2020 BMW 540i sedans
  • 2020 BMW M340i sports sedans
  • 2020 BMW X3 crossovers
  • 2020 – 2021 BMW X4 crossovers
  • 2019 – 2021 BMW Z4 roadsters
  • 2020 – 2021 BMW 745Le sedans

The faulty component is the Engine Management software.

Recall summary  

The recall addresses problems with the cars’ brake assist function, which helps stop the car faster in an emergency. The brake assist uses the force of a vacuum to boost the brakes’ power, giving them more stopping force when a driver slams on the brakes in an emergency. Normally, the car uses the tandem oil/vacuum pump to suck all the air out of the brake assist’s booster, creating a vacuum. 

However, if the driver presses the start button twice in rapid succession or only lightly presses the brake pedal when starting the car, the software may cause the pump to become damaged, causing the booster to lose its power.

Risks

With the loss of brake assist, the car will have “mechanical braking” but will have a longer stopping distance, increasing the risk of a crash. You can read more about the signs and dangers of brake assist failure in this article about a similar General Motors recall.

Safety tips

According to recall documents, drivers can avoid damaging the tandem oil/vacuum pump by:

  • Firmly pressing and holding the brake pedal when starting the engine.
  • Pressing the “start” button only once. (Don’t quickly turn the car on and off). 

The repair

Dealers will update recalled vehicles’ engine management software for free. Owner notification letters with more information about when and how to get this repair will be sent out by October 1, though BMW has said the remedy is already available.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 50,000 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To do a BMW recall check, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Rebecca RandBMW recalls Toyota Supra and 27,000 BMW cars for brake assist problem

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