BMW sedans, convertibles recalled over deadly Takata airbags

Laguna Hills, CA – October 22, 2019 – BMW is pulling over 3,900 models from the marketplace due to the possibility that installed air bags are compromised. In the event of an accident that the air bags to deploy, sharp metal fragments could break through them, potentially leading to a severe injury.

The recall includes the following vehicles:

  • 2000 – 2002 325i
  • 2000 – 2002 325xi
  • 2000 – 2002 323Ci
  • 2000 – 2002 325Ci
  • 2000 – 2002 330Ci

The defect

The cause of this issue is believed to be the propellant used in the release of the air bags. The propellant has the potential to break down over time due to exposure to high levels of humidity and temperature cycling.

Timeline of events

The 2000 – 2002 BMW air bag recall is one of several that have affected the auto industry tracing back several years.

The Office of Defects Investigation arm of the NHTSA opened a sweeping inquiry into this issue back in June 2014 after learning of six separate incidents where air bags ruptured, which involved five vehicle manufacturers.

The ODI determined that the common link between them all was the manufacturer of the air bags – Takata – and the locations of where these air bags were installed. All six took place in either Florida or Puerto Rico.

These events led to a much wider investigation of Takata air bags and their potential to cause serious injury to motorists.

All told, at least 37 million automobiles had been equipped with 50 million defective air bags manufactured by Takata, according to the most recent statistics available from the NHTSA. Repair rates among automakers with Takata air bags installed rose 30% in 2018 compared to the previous year.

“Communicating the urgency for recall repairs with the help of stakeholders and DMVs is proving effective to protecting lives on our nation’s roadways,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator Heidi King said at the time.

This isn’t the first time this year that BMW has been affected by an air bag safety issue. In June, the luxury automaker announced it was recalling approximately 2,000 SUVs whose air bags were installed improperly.

Prior to that, around 1,700 2-Series, 3-Series and 4-Series models were also recalled because of compromised passenger knee air bags.

The solution

As for the 2000 – 2002 BMW air bag issue, the luxury automaker is getting ready to start distributing mailers that will inform owners about this problem. BMW says it will begin sending the notifications out starting November 25.

Recipients of the safety notices are urged to bring their vehicle to a local dealer. If appropriate, a replacement air bag will be installed free of charge.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 3,900 airbags were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – 1,425 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we have added the last section to allow the driver to check if his or her car is part of the recall and include the most up-to-date information on the recall’s completion ratesThe article has also been updated to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Sean ReyesBMW sedans, convertibles recalled over deadly Takata airbags

Three Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall

Laguna Hills, CA – September 29, 2019 – Field incidents demonstrating the failure of a specific part on three different BMW hybrid electric vehicles has led to a small but very significant recall from the manufacturer.

As part of the action, BMW has recalled 139 vehicles due to potentially faulty Electric Motor Electronics (EME) modules, across three different models.

BMW estimates that roughly 10 percent of those 139 vehicles contain the defect, which has the potential to cause a complete shut-down of high-voltage electric power – increasing the risk of a crash should the error occur while the vehicle is in motion.

Owners of the vehicles containing the defect should be notified within the coming weeks, with repairs conducted by dealers afterward.

The defect

The exact part causing the defect on the vehicles is the EME’s printed circuit board (PCB), which BMW reported was not produced to proper specifications.

According to paperwork the manufacturer filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “this [defect] could lead to an increase in transition resistance at certain PCB contact points and cause a loss of electrical contact.”

Following this loss of electrical contact, the EME module would shut down high-voltage electrical power on the vehicle, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash. 

The vehicles involved in the recall are the:

  • 2019 BMW i3 BEV
  • 2019 BMW i3 REx
  • 2019 BMW i8

While there is unfortunately no “warning” or other indication presaging the errors caused by the defect, BMW did report that in the event of a shut down of high-voltage electrical power, the affected vehicle would still retain power steering and braking via its 12-volt power. 

Timeline of events

According to the safety recall report that BMW filed with the NHTSA, the manufacturer first became aware of the possibility for the defect via field incident reports from non-U.S. markets involving high-voltage electrical power loss on the i3 and i8 vehicles.

“Further reviews were conducted, which also involved the EME supplier and sub-supplier,” the safety recall report stated.

“The Tier-1 supplier informed BMW that certain EME modules may not have produced to specifications. The supplier indicated that the EME’s PCB may not have been produced to specifications on a specific assembly line by the Tier-2 supplier.”

By reviewing production records held by the “Tier-2 supplier”, BMW identified the production dates of the PCBs which potentially contained the defect.

Following that, other records were cross-referenced in order to determine the exact vehicles which contain those PCBs (and potentially, the defect along with them).

BMW decided to conduct the recall on August 7, 2019

The solution

BMW has indicated that owners of the vehicles involved in the recall will be notified by first class mail no later than October 7, 2019. Owners will be instructed to bring their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the EME replaced free. 

For more information on other recalls involving BMW and additional major auto manufacturers, visit MotorSafety.org

Sean ReyesThree Hybrid Vehicles Listed in Recent BMW Recall

Chrysler Recalls SUVs Over Faulty Fuel Level Indicator

Laguna Hills, CA – August 12, 2019 – Fiat Chrysler Automobiles recently announced its recalling more than 21,900 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia SUVs as a result of a fuel indicator issue that may misinform motorists regarding how much fuel is in their tank.

Such a misidentification could cause an accident should the vehicle stall or suddenly turn off while in operation. The Chrysler SUV recall is fixable, however, and operators are urged to take their vehicle to their nearest dealer so this problem can be addressed at no cost.

The defect

According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler will recall 21,915 sport utility vehicles because the body control module, which measures the fuel amount in the tank, may be defective.

In vehicles that contain this problem, the gauge reads that the reservoir is fully supplied, when the opposite may be the case.

[This] may cause the customer to run out of fuel even though the indicator shows that there is still fuel in the vehicle,” Chrysler explained in a press release distributed to FCA dealerships.

The following are the potentially defective vehicles in question, including their model years:

  • 2018 – 2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia
  • 2018 – 2019 Alfa Romeo Stelvio

As noted in the release, there are certain conditions in which the fuel level may read wrong. One such scenario is if the SUV is parked at a 10 degree angle for 30 minutes or more.

Depending on how full the tank actually is, the onboard computer may misidentify whether or not it went through a refuel and the fuel level indicator may move higher, suggesting it’s fuller than it actually is.

“Inaccurate fuel indication may increase the risk of an engine stall due to fuel starvation, and can cause vehicle crash without prior warning,” the statement further read.

Timeline of events

What ultimately led to this Chrysler SUV recall was a communique the company received June 3 from an Italian supplier, informing FCA of multiple reports related to Giulia and Stelvio vehicles stalling. 

Two days later, Chrysler opened an investigation to see if it could pinpoint the nature of the problem.

By June 12, the product development team confirmed the issue was related to faulty software, which caused the instrument panel to misidentify the amount of fuel remaining in the reservoir.

Approximately five weeks later, Fiat Chrysler determined that a voluntary recall was necessary and went through the proper channels to inform the NHTSA. The government agency confirmed the automaker’s intentions August 5.

Neither NHTSA nor Chrysler is aware of any accidents or injuries that trace back to this issue. Only one warranty has been filed through July 19.

The solution

The automaker says it will notify registered owners of the Chrysler SUV recall starting September 13 by first-class mail. Owners are strongly encouraged to have their vehicles checked out by an area dealer so the body control module software can be properly updated.

Chrysler believes that virtually all of the 21,900-plus SUVs included in the recall likely have the suspected defect in question.

For more information on this or any other automotive recall, visit MotorSafety.org. Check our section on all the most recent Chrysler recalls as well. You can also take a look at recalls grouped by month

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls SUVs Over Faulty Fuel Level Indicator

Chrysler Recalls Over 47,000 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid Vehicles for Steering Issue

Laguna Hills, CA – March 18, 2019 – Chrysler is recalling certain 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm could separate from the steering knuckle, causing loss of directional control and increasing the risk of a crash.

As many as 47,771 vehicles are potentially affected by this issue.

The defect

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safety Recall Report on this issue, the right front lower control arm can separate from the steering knuckle in some 2018 MY Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

The issue came to light due to an increase in warranty claims for buzz, squeak and rattle relating to the suspect joint were reported.

If the right lower control arm separates from the steering knuckle, the driver may experience a loss of directional control, which can result in the vehicle crashing without advance warning.

Timeline of events

Chrysler’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance organization launched an investigation November 20, 2018 following the field report of a vehicle that exhibited a separated right front lower control arm ball joint separated from the steering knuckle.

Between November 4 – 17, Chrysler’s Chassis Engineering team completed dimensional component testing. From November 19 to January 14, 2019. Chassis Engineering did system level testing to confirm failure mode and the scope of the issue.

In addition, Chrysler and its Chassis Engineering team held meetings between November 20, 2018, and February 15, 2019 to review the issue and discuss customer consequences, potential root cause, the scope of vehicles affected, potential corrective actions being investigated and component and system test results.

Following receipt of five Customer Assistance and Information Requests and one field report, Chrysler decided on February 21, 2019 to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

The solution

Starting April 19, 2019, Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage and replace as needed, replacing the right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt with a larger diameter pinch bolt free of charge.

Some of the affected vehicles may be in dealers’ new vehicle inventory. Federal law requires that repairs must be completed before retail delivery. These vehicles will be eligible for a reimbursement allowance through Chrysler.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V143000.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Recalls Over 47,000 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid Vehicles for Steering Issue

Bentley Recalls Small Batch of Mulsanne Vehicles for Backover Prevention Software Issue

Lilburn, Georgia – September 26, 2018 – Bentley Motors, Inc. (Bentley) is recalling certain 2018 Bentley Mulsanne vehicles for issues with rear-view camera software, affecting backover prevention. The recall is expected to only include 10 units of the luxury sedan. 

The recall population was determined based upon system records confirming which vehicles received incorrect system software during vehicle production, and any vehicles not included in this recall were produced with correct system software.

The defect

According to the NHTSA Safety Recall Report, when reverse gear is selected by the driver, the rear camera view may be obstructed on the screen with other icons or may not be fully visible within 2 seconds.

If the full camera view is delayed or obstructed and the driver does not check their surroundings before reversing, there may be an increased risk of a crash or a backover incident.

The factory production control system responsible for checking the actual software version in a vehicle versus a target software version was incorrectly updated.

This allowed a previous software version to be checked as ok condition. The issue has been addressed on the production line, and the correct system software flashed to new vehicles as well as unsold / undelivered stock.

Timeline of events

In late August 2018, Bentley’s Product Safety department was informed, by engineering, of an older level of software being flashed on the production line for the rear view camera.

By early September 2018 a subsequent investigation found a number of vehicles, including ones already sold and delivered to customers, had been built with an older level of software, which did not fully comply with FMVSS 111 requirements.

Delivery of affected vehicles to customers was stopped and arrangements made for the latest level of software to be flashed onto all other units. The Product Safety Committee informed NHTSA of non-compliance, and the decision to launch a voluntary recall was made.

The solution

All affected vehicles (believed to be only 10 units) will have a software re-flash to the latest software level, via an SD card. Bentley will notify all owners of affected vehicles to instruct them to request an appointment with an authorized Bentley dealer.

Dealers will complete the re-flash on affected vehicles free of charge. Bentley is not offering a reimbursement program under this recall.

The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 18V-632. The Bentley Motors recall number is RE 18/11. The recall is expected to commence in early October.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesBentley Recalls Small Batch of Mulsanne Vehicles for Backover Prevention Software Issue

Chrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem

United States – August 26, 2018 – According to Consumer Reports, in a recent string of recalls, the Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) has announced a recall of 12,779 vehicles.

Various Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, and Ram SUVs and cars are involved in this particular recall, which is for a faulty part in the powertrain system.

The defect

Due to the powertrain system having a potentially broken or a wrongly manufactured circuit board, the problem can connect directly to stalling and starting the vehicle.

This is on the drivetrain and does not include the main engine of the car. Powertrain systems are in both manual and automatic vehicles and include transmission, drive shafts and differentials components.

Specifically, inside the circuit board, there is a voltage regular chip that helps control some of the automating controlling and driving of the cars. When this fails, the cars will not start or will stall out after being turned on via ignition.

When vehicles stall unexpectedly, there is a risk of an accident or injury from a crash. Issues with starting vehicles can cause drivers to be stranded or without a working car.

Of more than 12,000 vehicles affected, the list includes:

  • 2018 Jeep Renegade
  • 2018 Jeep Compass
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee
  • Ram 1500
  • Ram ProMaster
  • Fiat 500x
  • Dodge Journey
  • Dodge Challenger
  • Dodge Charger
  • Dodge Durango
  • Chrysler 300x
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Wrangler
  • 2018 – 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Town and Country vehicles
  • 2018 – 2019 Jeep Cherokee
  • 2018 – 2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles

Timeline of events

The recall is expected to officially begin September 28 of this year to solve the ignition problem. FCA states they will replace the powertrain control module free of charge for consumers and dealerships.

Also this month, FCA recalled similar 2018 – 2019 Jeep and Dodge models for brake fluid issues. More than 200,000 vehicles were included in this recall, which required brake fluid to be replaced complimentary to avoid potential bigger issues with the systems. Breaking and steering issues are imperative to fix immediately, due to the higher risks of crashes involved.

In June, a woman in Ohio claimed to have a steering issue with her Jeep, causing it to lockup while she was operating her car. However, FCA and Jeep spokespeople said her particular car did not fall under any current recall.

Alongside the recent recalls, FCA is facing some issues in court as well. According to the Detroit Free Press, Alphons Iacobelli, a former vice president of employee relations for FCA, is facing charges of embezzlement.

The company took funds allocated for worker trainers and used them for extraordinary perks, trips and bonuses instead.

Seven other higher-ups have already been convicted and charged in the scandal. The Justice Department and other government entities may be looking further into investigations that could cost FCA millions, if not billions, in court fees and fines.

However, further actions are speculative due to FCA being incorporated in the Netherlands and the charges happening in the U.S.

The solution

Chrysler announced plans to directly notify owners. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reference number for this recall campaign is 18V524.

To check if your vehicle is part of this recall, use MotorSafety.org’s free look-up tool.

Sean ReyesChrysler Fiat Automobiles Recalls 12,000 Vehicles Over Powertrain Problem

Aston Martin Recalls Cars with Defective Steering Components

Gaydon Warwick, U.K. – February 7, 2018 – Aston Martin The Americas has recalled more than 1,000 sports cars potentially equipped with defective steering column control module clock springs, according to documentation submitted to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects Aston Martin DB11 V8 and V12 coupes produced between June 9, 2016, and Nov. 20, 2017. The British luxury automaker suspects nearly three-quarters of the recalled vehicles contain the defective safety components.

This recall stems from an earlier action initiated by Mercedes-Benz USA in October 2017.

The defect

The affected vehicles involved in the recall may come equipped with steering control module clock springs that are insufficiently grounded and may produce electrostatic discharges capable of inadvertently activating driver-side airbag.

This poses a serious safety hazard to occupants, as the unintentional, sudden deployment of safety features could increase the likelihood of an accident. However, Aston Martin has not received reports connecting the defect to any accidents or injuries.

An alert signaling improper air bag operation may appear prior to deployment.

Timeline of events

In April 2015, Daimler AG, the international automotive conglomerate that owns and operates Mercedes-Benz, received two field reports detailing instances in which owners experience inadvertent air bag deployment.

The company immediately launched an investigation in response. However, the inquiry, which was performed using recovered parts from the vehicles referenced in the original field reports, did not lead to root cause identification. DAG suspended the action as a result.

The organization reopened the investigation in late 2016 after receiving an additional report outlining the an instance of inadvertent air bag deployment.

Investigators found that this vehicle contained a defective steering column, which prompted DAG to launch a more focused inquiry into the matter in January 2017.

In June 2017, the engineers leading this investigation discovered the root cause of the issue: electrostatic discharge emanating from damaged steering column control module clock springs.

In October 2017, DAG contacted Aston Martin to share the results of its investigation, as the British automaker used the same steering column assemblies at the center of the inquiry.

Aston Martin launched its own investigation to assess the potential impact on its DB line, which used the component. In January 2018, the car company’s Recall Committee convened to assess the issue. The group decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.

Aston Martin notified dealers January 29.

The solution

The automaker has directed dealers to install contact bridges and springs in affected models free of charge, according to an NHTSA recall acknowledgment document. These components should facilitate proper grounding and prevent instances of unintentional air bag deployment.

Aston Martin intends to contact owners via first-class mail March 1 through March 11.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesAston Martin Recalls Cars with Defective Steering Components

Aston Martin recalls sports cars with faulty software

Warwick, U.K. – June 21, 2017 – Aston Martin Lagonda of North America has recalled more than 300 sports cars with faulty software, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The campaign affects 2011-2012 Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports cars manufactured between Nov. 25, 2010 and Aug. 16, 2012. The car maker estimates that approximately 2 percent of the vehicles mentioned in the recall contain the defective software.

The defect

Vehicles named in the campaign could be equipped with engine control and transmission software that is incompatible automatic clutch settings. This can cause the transmission to miss gearchanges in some throttle positions.

The clutch can also slip and overheat, prompting the vehicle to switch to clutch protection mode. In this instance, the Malfunction Indicator Light will illuminate and gearchanges will become abrupt.

The defect is detrimental to overall driveability, putting drivers and passengers at risk. However, Aston Martin has not received reports of any collisions or injuries connected to software issue.

Timeline of events

In 2012, Aston Martin released an update for engine control and transmission software in the V8 Vantage.

After installing the updated software, technicians were supposed to delete existing automatic clutch settings and input new configurations to comport with the update. However, this did not happen.

More than five years later, in April 2017, the car manufacturer received multiple reports from V8 Vantage owners who were experiencing driveability issues.

Aston Martin immediately launched an investigation to determine the root cause. Engineering teams were able to replicate the issues in internal tests and quickly discovered the existing automatic clutch settings were incompatible with the updated software.

Aston Martin’s Critical Concerns Review Group recommended the Recall Committee take up the matter June 15, 2017. The group met that same day and decided to conduct a voluntary recall campaign.

Dealers received notification of the action June 23, according to the NHTSA.

The solution

Aston Martin has ordered dealers to reinstall the engine control and transmission software on vehicles named in the recall and configure automatic clutch settings to match the updated systems.

Dealers are also required to replace clutch systems in V8 Vantage models with transmission damage stemming from the incompatibility issue. Technicians are to perform these repairs free of charge. Aston Martin is expected to notify owners between July 7 and Aug. 7.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

adminAston Martin recalls sports cars with faulty software

GM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

March 24, 2017… General Motors Co. has recalled more than 2,000 Buick sedans due to a serious power steering defect.

The recall impacts LaCrosse models produced between August and November 2016, according to documentation filed with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

The defect

Affected vehicles include electric power steering connector cables that may not be properly sealed. These unprotected features are vulnerable to corrosion and could fail due to extreme oxidization or the development of high resistance, which can cause melting.

This poses a serious risk to drivers, as the sudden loss of power steering can hinder vehicle operation and lead to crashes. No accidents or injuries have been attributed to the defect…

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sean ReyesGM Recalls Buick Sedan Due to Power Steering Defect

More than 4,900 Cadillacs Recalled for Brake Hose Corrosion Risk

Detroit, MI — April 30, 2015 — A recall notice from General Motors posted on GM Authority announced an action that will affect 4,907 Cadillac CTS-V vehicles.

The defect

According to this statement, models produced between September 2003 and June 2007 may have a defect that could hurt the brake system. The recall notes that only cars registered or originally sold in a selection of 21 states across New England and the Midwest are subject to this action.

Timeline of events

Although there is currently no recall notification schedule in place, the statement encourages owners to contact GM, Cadillac customer service and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for more information, as well as the dealer to have the fault fixed.

As it elaborates, the problem is exacerbated by the presence of road salt, still a possible concern as snow melts.

“In the affected vehicles, snow or water containing road salt or other contaminants may corrode the front brake hose fitting at the caliper,” the statement reads.

“Corrosion may cause the brake system to leak, which could lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.” Both brake hose assemblies will be replaced by dealers to prevent leakage.

According to the latest information, this recall is an expansion of a similar recall originally announced in 2010. In that case, the NHTSA identified more than 139,000 “potential units affected” on its website and addressed the same 21 states as possible sources of affected vehicles.

When recalls are issued, the amount of information they contain should be easy to read through, even when a long list of states are involved. Arranging the data in a readable way will give owners a greater chance of identifying whether or not they should be concerned.

The solution

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Recall MastersMore than 4,900 Cadillacs Recalled for Brake Hose Corrosion Risk