BMW Recalls | MotorSafety.org

BMW issues second recall for stalling cars

November 28, 2023 Bojan Popic BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – November 28, 2023 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 155,627 cars and SUVs that may stall while driving. This ups the risk of a crash and injury, especially if it happens in dense traffic.

The following vehicles are affected by this recall:

2010 – 2012 BMW 1 Series
2010 – 2012 BMW 3 Series
2010 – 2011 BMW 5 Series
2010 – 2011 BMW X3
2010 – 2011 BMW X5
2010 – 2011 BMW Z4

Some of these cars were recalled over the same issue back in 2014.

Recall summary

All listed vehicles have an engine with variable valve timing, called VANOS, which adjusts the opening and closing of engine valves to achieve better performance and improve fuel economy. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that hold the VANOS housing in place may become loose or break.

If that happens, the VANOS may develop a leak which may subsequently lead to the activation of the limp-home mode or a stall.

The component causing the recall is the VANOS bolt, with part number 8602263.

Background of the recall

The seemingly identical problem was already addressed in 2014, in a recall where these bolts were replaced with new ones. But, due to a quality issue, the repair turned out to be insufficient.

The present recall is also composed of additional vehicles that back in 2014 were included into an “extended warranty program” to address the same “condition”.

Recall risks

If the car stalls or enters the limp-home mode – which would decrease the power output – it may get hit from behind. The accident may result in injuries for the occupants of the car and other motorists involved.

Warning signs

The driver may see the “Check the engine” or “Service the engine soon” message of the dashboard. He or she may also perceive “distinct change in engine running condition, reduced engine power, and hear increased engine noise.”

Other BMW recalls

In May 2023, BMW recalled almost 100,000 Minis that were at risk of catching fire.

On a separate note, BMW’s electric SUVs were recalled in July 2022 because their displays did not show critical safety information when parked by a valet.

The repair

Dealers will once again replace the suspected bolts with new ones free of charge.

Owners should receive letters with more information on December 12, 2023.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW VANOS recall affects more than 150,000 cars. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls Minis that may catch fire

May 28, 2023 Joseph Estabillo BMW Recalls, Mini Recalls

Westwood, NJ – May 28, 2023 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY), which owns the Mini brand, is recalling 97,933 vehicles in the 30 “salt belt” states due to the risk of fire because of water and salt entering the cars.

This is the second recall issued by BMW over the defect internationally but the first one of its kind in the U.S.

The following models are covered by this recall:

2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper
2008 – 2014 Mini Cooper Clubman
2007 – 2013 Mini Cooper S
2007 – 2013 Mini JCW

Recall summary

Affected vehicles were registered or sold in the states that use road salt in the winter “to control snow and ice” and also experience large temperature fluctuations throughout the year. They are also equipped with a sunroof.

Repeated temperature changes result in damage to the sunroof drain hose, allowing water to enter the cabin and combine with the road salt that may also be present in the footwell to form an “electrolyte solution.”

The solution may then come into contact with a computer called the footwell control module (FRM) which controls lighting and power windows. This may lead to the module short-circuiting, causing a fire.

Recall risks

Background of the recall

This is the second recall because of this issue internationally but the first one in the U.S. In 2018, these cars were recalled in the Canadian market due to the risk of fires caused by corrosion in the FRM. Following the recall, the manufacturer received reports of the repaired vehicles experiencing fires. The subsequent investigation found the sunroof hose to be the culprit, leading to the present recall.

As of May 2023, BMW has received reports of six incidents in the U.S. market involving the defect, with no record of accidents or injuries.

Other BMW recalls

In May 2022, BMW recalled 61,221 vehicles over a defect that allowed the sunroof to close even when the key fob is inside the vehicle, leading to an increased risk of injury.

In July 2022, BMW also recalled 6,930 vehicles for failure to display critical safety information while the car is being parked by a valet, presenting an increased danger of an accident.

The repair

The remedy for the issue is being developed. It will be offered free of charge once it is made available. BMW will reimburse owners who paid for their own repairs before the recall was announced.

Owners of the affected vehicles will receive letters with more information on July 3, 2023.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 97,000 vehicles are affected by this Mini footwell control module recall. To run a Mini recall check or check for more BMW and Mini recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls vehicles with faulty display

July 23, 2022 Senamile Nkosi BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – July 23, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 6,930 vehicles whose display does not show critical safety information while being parked by a valet. This increases the risk of a crash.

The following vehicles are included in this recall:

2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive40
2022 – 2023 BMW iX xDrive50
2022 – 2023 BMW iX M60
2022 BMW i4 eDrive40
2022 BMW i4 M50

Recall summary

The affected vehicles are those equipped with a BMW hybrid electric powertrain and have a central information display (CID) that shows important safety information. The recalled vehicles’ CID may fail to show safety warnings when in valet parking mode due to a software error.

Valet parking mode is a setting that protects the main driver’s private information and can lock the tailgate when someone else is driving, such as when a valet is parking the vehicle.

Recall risks

If the driver cannot see warning lights or messages that should appear on the display, the risk of a crash increases.

Other recent BMW recalls

In March, nearly one million 2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV vehicles were recalled over engine fire risk.

There are no BMW i4 recall aside from this one at the moment.

There was a BMW hybrid recall in September of last year due to a brake assist issue. The recall included non-hybrid cars as well, as reported.

Repair

To remedy the BMW center display issue, owners will be asked to take their vehicles to a dealer to have the head unit software reprogrammed at no cost.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from BMW regarding the repair program around August 29, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Nearly 7,000 vehicles are included in this recall. To conduct a BMW recall check on your vehicle, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW issues recall over defective sunroof control unit

May 15, 2022 Senamile Nkosi BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – May 15, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 61,221 vehicles which may allow the sunroof to close even if the key fob is not in the vehicle. This increases the risk of injury.

The following vehicles are included in this BMW recall:

2022 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive)
2019 – 2022 X5 sDrive40i
2019 – 2022 X5 xDrive40i
2019 – 2022 X5 xDrive50i
2019 – 2022 X5 M50i
2019 – 2022 X5M
2021 – 2022 X5 xDrive45e
2020 – 2022 X6 sDrive40i
2020 – 2022 X6 xDrive50i
2020 – 2022 X6M
2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive40i
2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive50i
2019 – 2023 X7 M50i
2019 – 2023 X7 xDrive60i
2019 – 2023 X7 M60i
2019 – 2023 X7M
Alpina XB7

Recall summary

For safety, and to comply with federal regulations, BMW sunroofs are supposed to close only when the key fob is inside the vehicle, indicating that the driver is present.

The affected sunroofs are programmed incorrectly and can be closed when the key fob is not in the vehicle.

Recall risks

A sunroof that is closed without the key fob present – by an unaccompanied child, for example – can increase the risk of injury.

Other recent BMW recalls

One of the most recent BMW X5 recalls was in March 2022 and included the 2007-2010 BMW X5 SAV. The heating element of the subject vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of injury to the driver and passengers.

Although there have been no notable BMW X6 recalls or BMW X7 recalls in recent months, there was another BMW sunroof-related recall in 2021. In March, BMW recalled nearly 15,000 vehicles whose sunroofs may close even after the car is turned off. Much like the current recall, this was attributed to a programming error.

The repair

Owners are encouraged to take their vehicles to a BMW dealer. Techs will reprogram the roof function control unit, which is responsible for the opening and closing of the sunroof. Alternatively, owners can opt for an over-the-air (OTA) reprogramming. Both options will be at no cost to owners.

Owners can expect to receive further communication from BMW regarding the repair program by June 13, 2022.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

More than 60,000 BMW vehicles are included in this recall. To see if your vehicle is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls close to a million over risk of engine fire

March 13, 2022 Bojan Popic BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – March 13, 2022 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has issued a large-scale recall that involves 917,106 vehicles that may develop a fire inside their engine compartment. This increases the risk of a crash and injury.

A rather long list of vehicles affected by this recall includes:

2008 – 2013 BMW 128i
2006 – 2012 BMW Series 3
2006 – 2010 BMW Series 5
2007 – 2010 BMW X3 SAV
2007 – 2010 BMW X5 SAV
2006 – 2011 BMW Z4

At least some of these vehicles were previously recalled and repaired in 2017 and 2019 but will need a new remedy.

Recall summary

These BMW electrical issues are caused by a fault within a Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV). PCV is part of the engine whose role is to reduce air pollution by sending unwanted gases produced during the operation of the car into the cylinder. To stop these gases from solidifying in cold weather, the manufacturer has installed a heater inside this system. Due to a supplier error, the heating element of the recalled vehicles may short circuit and overheat, increasing the risk of fire.

The component in question is the PCV Valve Heater, with part numbers 7561408 or 2458830. The full list of the vehicles can be found here.

Recall risks

See this article about a similar BMW recall for more information on the risks.

Background of the recall

At least some of these vehicles were recalled in 2017 and then subsequently in 2019 for the same issue. This third recall is being done on the back of multiple reports of previously repaired vehicles experiencing fire in the engine compartment.

Warning signs

The driver may be alerted to the electrical short if the malfunction indicator light (MIL) warning light comes on. Other warning signs include a burning smell and smoke coming from underneath the hood.

Other BMW recalls

This is not a first-time BMW 3 series recall over the risk of fire, as there was a similar one in December 2021. Apart from that, in February 2021 there was a BMW 5 series recall also for the risk of fire.

The repair

At this time, BMW is working on a solution to this problem. Notifications to vehicle owners will be sent on April 25, 2022. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

This BMW recall in 2022 is affecting more than 900,000 vehicles. To do a BMW recall check and see if yours is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls vehicles for second time over fire risk

December 5, 2021 Bojan Popic BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – December 5, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS: BMWYY) is recalling 50,404 vehicles that were previously repaired for a coolant leak for the same issue. The leak may result in an engine fire, which increases the risk of a crash and injury.

Some of the vehicles that are affected by this BMW coolant recall include:

2014 BMW 328d
2014 BMW 328d xDrive Sports Wagon
2014 BMW 535d
2015 BMW 740Ld xDrive
2015 BMW X3 xDrive28d SAV
2014 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAV

Recall summary

Exhaust Gas Recirculation, or EGR, is a system that lowers emissions by rerouting a portion of exhaust gases towards the engine. In vehicles that are part of this BMW recall, a cooler within the EGR system may crack and develop a coolant leak. As this fluid mixes with exhaust gases, it will create “smoldering particles”. This may cause the plastic intake manifold to melt or even result in a fire inside the engine compart]ment.

The intake manifold “supplies the fuel/air mixture to the cylinders” for optimal engine performance, according to a Wikipedia article.

The full list of vehicles is available here.

Recall background

Vehicles that are part of this recall were recalled for the same issue in 2018. However, field data showed that the repair was not sufficient which prompted the manufacturer to call them in for repairs once again.

Recall risks

An engine fire increases the risk of a crash, with flames and smoke distracting the driver. Another risk is the inability to stop and leave the vehicle in time, leading to an injury or even death. For tips on what to do in the event of a fire, please refer to the following page.

Warning signs

There are several signs that may alert a driver about this issue, including a “low coolant” warning light on the dashboard and an unusual odor from the exhaust. In more severe cases, the engine may lose power and there might be some smoke coming from under the hood.

Other BMW recalls

Some of these vehicles may have been a part of a recall in August, which was caused by a high-pressure fuel pump that suffers from excessive wear. In addition, even vehicles with gasoline engines, such as the 328i station wagon, had problems with their fuel pumps in the past.

The repair

To fix the issue, BMW authorized dealers will replace the EGR module and clean the pipe that connects to it. In addition, they will check the intake manifold for any damage and replace it if necessary. All repairs will be done free of charge.

Notifications about the repair will be sent to vehicle owners around January 12, 2022.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW coolant leak recall includes more than 50,000 vehicles. To check if your BMW is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls vehicles over risk of seat belt failure

September 6, 2021 Bojan Popic BMW Recalls, Mini Recalls, Toyota Recalls

Westwood, NJ – September 6, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY), which also owns Mini and Rolls-Royce brands, has recalled 21,537 vehicles with faulty child restraint systems that increase the risk of injury to a child during a crash.

This recall affects some 2021 Toyota Supras made with BMW engines, as well as a wide range of BMW models, including:

2021 BMW 4 Series, including the 2021 430I
2021 BMW 2 Series, including the 2021 228I
2021 BMW 5 Series, including the 2021 540I
2021 Mini Cooper
2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom
2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

For a complete list of models and model years included, please refer to this page.

The affected component in this BMW recall is a seat belt retractor, which is what is used to hold the seat belt in place.

Recall summary

This recall is part of an ongoing series of recalls – that already includes Ford and Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz – caused by faulty seat belts provided by Swedish-American supplier Autoliv.

These seat belts come equipped with two types of retractors – one that immobilizes the seat belt in the event of a crash and one that prevents the seat belt from moving right after it is buckled. The latter is referred to as the automatic locking retractor, or ALR, and is activated by pulling the seat belt “all the way out,” weaving it through the child seat and buckling it in.

But, because of “out of tolerance” parts provided by the supplier, the ALR may deactivate early, “before the webbing fully retracts.”

Risks

Faulty ALR will not hold the child seat firmly in its place. Although the seat belt would still lock up during a crash, there is an increased risk of injury during sudden stops. The risk is lower when parents use the lower anchors and tethers for children (LATCH) system in place of the seat belts, as reported.

Warning signs

Drivers may notice that the torso section of the seat belt is not locked firmly while securing the child seat.

Other BMW recalls

Earlier this month, the 2021 Toyota Supra, as well as some of the X and 5 series cars, were recalled because of a brake assist problem. Some of the older X series were recalled in August out of concern that they may stall while in motion due to a faulty fuel pump.

Other Mini Cooper and Rolls-Royce recalls

In April, BMW recalled close to 50,000 Rolls-Royce, Mini Cooper and BMW models due to a defective water pump, as reported. In November of last year, there was a BMW and a Mini Cooper recall due to hybrid batteries that may catch fire.

The repair

Dealers will replace affected passenger seat belts free of charge during an inspection. It is not yet known when the owners will receive additional information about this recall.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This recall includes more than 20,000 vehicles and covers several brands and models. To check for this and other recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

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

September 4, 2021 Rebecca Rand BMW Recalls, Toyota Recalls

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.

BMW recalls vehicles over a risk of engine stalling

August 31, 2021 Bojan Popic BMW Recalls

Westwood, NJ – August 31, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 11,216 vehicles which may stall, increasing the risk of injury or a crash. This recall affects a wide range of diesel vehicles, including:

2014 – 2018 BMW 328D
2015 – 2017 BMW X3
2014 – 2016 BMW 535D
2014 – 2018 BMW X5
2015 BMW 740LD

The affected component in this recall is the BMW high-pressure fuel pump with part number 7810696 and 7283473

Recall summary

Vehicles in this recall have diesel engines with a so-called “common rail” fuel system, which allows better performance and fuel economy. Part of that system is a high-pressure fuel pump, whose internal components may wear excessively due to factors such as using low-quality fuel. In certain scenarios, the pump may shut itself down as a preventive measure, causing the vehicle to stall.

Warning signs

A warning light on the dashboard will illuminate when the fuel pump is not performing properly.

Risks

A vehicle that stalls while driving may lead to situations that are potentially dangerous to both its occupants and other motorists, especially if it happens in high-speed or dense traffic conditions. To read more

Other BMW recalls

All of these diesel vehicles were involved in a previous BMW recall where a potential coolant leak could result in a fire.

The repair

BMW authorized dealers will solve the issue by replacing the fuel pump with an improved version, which is less susceptible to wear. This repair is free of charge, and notifications will be sent to owners on September 20, 2021.

Is your vehicle a part of this recall?

This BMW recall includes more than 11,000 vehicles. To check for this and other BMW recalls, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

BMW recalls cars over Takata airbag malfunction

July 2, 2021 Rebecca Rand BMW Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Westwood, NJ – July 2, 2021 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) has recalled 4,511 cars equipped with faulty Takata airbag inflators that may cause the airbag malfunction during a crash. This may result in the driver-side airbag exploding during an accident, hurting the driver with metal shrapnel. It may also cause the airbag to become under-inflated, failing to protect the driver from injuries in a crash.

The affected component is the driver-side airbag with multiple part numbers, including 1095767 and 1095763.

BMW will pull Takata airbags from BMW 3 series vehicles, including:

1999 – 2001 BMW 3 Series
2000 – 2001 BMW 323CI
1999 – 2000 BMW 323i
2000 – 2001 BMW 325Ci
2000 – 2001 BMW 328Ci
1999 – 2001 BMW 328i
2000 – 2001 BMW 330Ci
1999 – 2001 BMW 330i
1999 – 2001 BMW 330xi
2001 BMW 323 i

Recall summary

The recalled BMWs’ airbags contain Non-Azide Driver Inflators (NADI), which have been subjected to several recalls since 2019. The recalled inflators may have a faulty seal, allowing moisture to get into the inflator and degrade the explosive chemicals inside.

The NADI airbags have a defect that is similar to – but separate from – the larger Takata airbag recall. That larger recall has affected millions of vehicles across the country, and cost BMW 131 million dollars in a 2017 BMW Takata class action settlement.

Previous recall

The airbags in question were inspected under a series of prior recalls in 2019, but not replaced. At least one of the prior recalls was associated with several injuries and a fatality outside of the U.S.

Risks

When moisture degrades the explosives in the inflator, the airbag inflator could generate more or less force during deployment than it should. Too much force will explode the airbag inflator, sending dangerous shrapnel through the vehicle, potentially maiming or killing occupants. Too little force will under-inflate the airbag, which could fail to protect someone during a crash, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Some of the BMWs recalled in 2019 were considered so dangerous that BMW instructed owners to not drive the car until the repair was completed. This time, BMW is telling owners that they can continue to drive the car, but is also imploring owners to schedule a free recall repair appointment as soon as slots become available.

The repair

Dealers will replace the driver-side airbag inflator with a newly designed inflator for free. BMW will notify owners about the recall by mail starting on July 19.

Is your vehicle part of this recall?

Over 4,500 vehicles are included in this BMW recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

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