BMW Auto Recalls and Defects
Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) is a German manufacturer of luxury vehicles and motorcycles. BMW sells cars and SUVs under several brand names, including BMW, Rolls-Royce, and Mini, as well as motorcycles under the brand name BMW Motorrad. Worldwide, BMW currently clocks in as the fourteenth-largest manufacturer of motor vehicles.
BMW markets itself as the premier purveyor of luxury vehicles. However, being fancy does not mean the cars actually work. Over the past few years, BMW has issued a number of recalls covering defective batteries, heaters, sunroofs, fuel systems, seat belts, and other features. Any one of these defects has the potential to cause a serious or fatal accident. Below, we discuss a few of the larger recalls issued by BMW in recent years.
Check your vehicle identification number on BMW’s website or the NHTSA website to determine if your BMW is or was subject to a recall. If you bought or leased a BMW only to learn the vehicle carried a serious defect, if your BMW is or has been subject to a recall, or if you were injured due to a defective BMW, you have important legal rights. The Lemon Law attorney at Nita Lemon Law Firm is here to help.
2022-2023 iX, i4, i7 Electric Vehicles: Faulty Battery
In January 2023, BMW announced a recall of more than 14,000 electric vehicles (EVs) due to a risk of battery failure. Covered models include certain i4, i7, and iX vehicles manufactured between October 14, 2021, and October 28, 2022. According to the recall notice: “Due to a software issue, monitoring of the high-voltage battery charging process may be affected. This could lead to an interruption during high-voltage battery charging, a temporary loss of power while driving, or stalling.”
A battery stalling or losing power while the vehicle is in operation creates a significant risk of an accident. Dealerships will update the vehicle’s software free of charge for owners or lessees of covered vehicles.
The 2023 recall follows BMW’s 2022 recalls of certain 2022 i4 sedans and iX SUVs due to a risk of battery fire. Owners of these vehicles have been advised not to charge their vehicles and to park away from structures until the issue is resolved.
2006-2013 Coupes, Convertibles, Wagons, and Roadsters: Short Circuit Fire Risk
In 2022, BMW issued a massive recall covering nearly a million vehicles with model years between 2006 and 2013. The recall included several different series of Coupes, Convertibles, Wagons, Convertibles, and Roadsters, and concerned a defective positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater. According to the auto company, the heater for the PCV valve in the covered vehicles is prone to short-circuiting. If the PCV valve short circuits, the valve heater can overheat, creating the risk of a spontaneous fire while driving or shortly after parking.
The recall superseded and expanded several prior recalls. Owners should have been notified by April 2022 of the issue, including owners of vehicles subject to prior recalls for a similar defect. The prior fix did not work, meaning covered owners must come back a second time even if BMW said the issue was fixed last time.
2013-2018 Diesel Vehicles: Fuel System Recall
In January 2022, BMW issued a recall of more than 50,000 diesel-fueled vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR Cooler carried a defect causing it to leak coolant internally. Coolant leakage can mix with diesel engine soot, resulting in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold. Collectively, the defect greatly increases the risk of a spontaneous fire. Covered vehicles include the 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV.
Call Nita Lemon Law for Help With a Defective BMW Claim
If you bought or leased a defective BMW electric vehicle, convertible, coupe, roadster, motorcycle, or any other faulty car in California, you have the right to get the product you paid for or get your money back. If you or someone you care about was hurt because of a dangerously defective product, you have the right to seek compensation, and the right to seek justice. The California Lemon Law team at Nita Lemon Law Firm is ready to protect you, your family, and your rights.
