The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into some 2007-2008 BMW Mini Cooper S vehicles after receiving twelve complaints of engine fires, including five which resulted in a total vehicle loss. Eight of the complaints alleged the the fires started while the vehicles were parked with the ignition off. Because the complaints have significantly increased in the last year, the Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) has decided to open a preliminary evaluation to assess the cause, scope and frequency of the alleged defect.
Category Archives: BMW
BMW Experiences Drive Shaft Problems
BMW has announced a recall for certain 2011 328I XDrive and 2011 335I XDrive vehicles built between February 8, 2011 to July 29, 2011. During manufacturing, the front drive shaft attachment bolts may have not been torqued to the proper specification, and could loosen during driving. The loosened bolts will result in loss of power to the front wheels. BMW will begin notifying owners of the recall starting in October, where dealers will replace the front drive shaft attachment bolts. Owners wanting more information can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW Recalls 3 Series Vehicles For Electrical Problem
BMW will be notifying certain 3-Series drivers of an electrical malfunction recall that could leave motorists without tail, brake or signal lights. The problem is being blamed on an increased resistance in the electrical contacts of the lighting system within the vehicles body panels. Non working or intermittent working tail, brake, or signal lights will increase a drivers chance of getting into an accident. BMW will begin notifying customers of the recall starting in October. Owners wanting more information can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in the recall will include:
NHTSA Investigates BMW 7Series Vehicles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into BMW 7 Series vehicles after receiving consumer complaints alleging vehicles rolling away when in “park”. The vehicles under investigation are equipped with BMW’s Comfort Access, electronic access and ignition system, and an electronic transmission shifter with the gear selector mounted on the steering column. The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to “park” under certain conditions. The NHTSA’s preliminary evaluation will assess the scope, frequency and cause of the rollaway incidents. The vehicles under investigation include:
- 2002-2008 BMW 7 Series
- 2003 BMW 730D
- 2003 BMW 730I
- 2002-2003 BMW 735I
- 2002 BMW 735LI
- 2002, 2003, 2005 BMW 745I
- 2002-2005 BMW 745LI
- 2007 BMW 750I
- 2006-2007 BMW 750LI
- 2005 BMW 760I
- 2005, 2007 BMW 760LI
BMW Recalling X3 For Steering
BMW has announced a recall for certain 2011 X3 compact crossover SUV’s built between April 2011 to June 2011. A manufacturing defect with the control module in the electric power steering (EPS) unit could lead to a malfunction resulting in loss of power steering assist. X3 owners wanting more information about the recall can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW Recalls 2012 X5 SAVs
BMW is recalling certain 2012 X5 X-Drive 35D diesel Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) for a problem that could lead to loss of power steering assistance. The problem is being blamed on a manufacturing error at the supplier which could lead to the welds on the belt tensioner developing small cracks, eventually leading to complete failure of the belt tensioner. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact BMW’s customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417, or email customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW Mini Cooper Investigated For Steering
Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
