BMW has issued a recall affecting nearly 720,800 vehicles across multiple models due to a potential risk of short circuits in their water pump connectors. The German automaker announced that the defect could lead to increased chances of a “thermal event,” prompting immediate action to address the safety concern.
Affected Models and Years
The recall encompasses a wide range of BMW models spanning several years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the specific vehicles involved include:
- 2012-2015 Models: X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i
- 2012-2016 Models: Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, and 328xi
- 2013-2017 Models: X3 sDrive28i and X3 xDrive28i
- 2014-2016 Models: 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, and 328xi Gran Turismo
- 2015-2016 Models: 428xi
- 2015-2018 Models: X4 xDrive28i
- 2016-2018 Models: X5 xDrive40e
Owners of these vehicles are advised to stay informed and await official communication from BMW regarding the necessary steps for inspection and repair.
Root Cause and Potential Risks
The issue stems from insufficient sealing of the affected vehicles’ water pumps, which allows liquid to enter the electrical plug connector. This infiltration can cause a short circuit, significantly increasing the risk of a thermal incident, including potential fires.
In the official recall report submitted to the NHTSA, BMW detailed that as of August 2024, the company has received approximately 18 customer complaints and field reports related to this specific issue within the United States. Fortunately, there have been no reported accidents or injuries associated with the defect to date.
The NHTSA has taken proactive measures by issuing alerts about the recall, emphasizing the importance of addressing the potential safety hazard promptly.
Recall Notification and Repair Process
BMW has outlined a comprehensive plan to notify and assist affected vehicle owners. Official recall notices are scheduled to be mailed out in early October, providing detailed instructions on how to proceed with the repair process.
Owners will be directed to visit authorized BMW service centers, where trained technicians will conduct thorough inspections of both the water pump and its electrical plug connector. Depending on the assessment, necessary replacements will be made to ensure the issue is fully resolved.
Additionally, as a preventive measure, technicians will install a protective shield designed to divert any fluid that might leak from the positive crankcase ventilation system’s intake air hose away from the water pump. This added safeguard aims to prevent future occurrences of similar issues.
BMW has confirmed that all inspection and repair services related to this recall will be provided free of charge to vehicle owners, underscoring the company’s commitment to customer safety and satisfaction.
BMW’s Ongoing Commitment to Safety
This extensive recall reflects BMW’s dedication to maintaining high safety standards across its diverse range of vehicles. The company, which produces millions of vehicles annually under various brands, has taken swift action to address the identified defect and mitigate any potential risks to drivers and passengers.
In 2023 alone, BMW reported the production of approximately 2.34 million vehicles under its flagship brand, alongside around 321,400 vehicles under its other brands. Ensuring the safety and reliability of these vehicles remains a top priority for the automaker.
Affected customers are encouraged to monitor official communications from BMW and the NHTSA for further updates and instructions. Prompt attention to recall notices and timely servicing can help ensure continued safety and performance on the road.
