BMW Recalls 50,000 Vehicles Over Brake Assist Snafu
» Posted September 27, 2021 • Resources | Share This Post
BMW wants another look at some 50,000 cars from across the German auto manufacturer’s portfolio of vehicles.
The company recently told U.S. regulators that it is recalling the cars over safety concerns. A software glitch could cause the cars’ brake assist systems to malfunction, according to BMW.
“This safety recall involves engine management software that, under certain engine start conditions, could cause the oil/vacuum pump, which supplies vacuum for brake assistance (brake boost), to become damaged,” BMW said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “This could result in a loss of brake assist.”
The recalled vehicles include certain model-year 2020 540i and M340i sedans and X3 sport utility vehicles; model-year 2020-21 745Le sedans, X4 SUVs, and Toyota Supra sports cars; and model-year 2019-21 Z4 sports cars.
Recalled vehicles still have fully working brake systems without the assist function, according to the company. The assist function will also work for two or three additional pumps before it dies out, BMW said.
“An increase in stopping distance could occur, which could increase the risk of a crash,” the company explained in the defect notice.
BMW is asking owners to bring recalled vehicles to a local dealer for a free software update to address the issue.
Car Defects Put People’s Safety at Risk
Like many other major auto manufacturers, BMW regularly recalls cars because of serious defects that pose hazards to everyone on the road.
Earlier this year, BMW said it was recalling some 14,000 2 Series Gran Coupes whose sunroofs are not up to federal standards meant to protect people from unintentional operation.
The company in 2017 recalled roughly 1 million vehicles over a defect it said could cause electrical fires. Less than a year later, BMW called back the portable charging cords for its entire line of 2018 and 2019 electric vehicles, citing another fire risk.
How the California Lemon Law Protects You
Fortunately, BMW and other vehicle owners in the Golden State have some valuable rights and protections under the California lemon law.
The law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide variety of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also obligates the companies to buy back (or, in some cases, replace) cars that they are unable or unwilling to fix.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback requirement kicks in. That is one of several reasons why it is important to seek the advice of an experienced lemon law attorney.
Speak with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney
If you are stuck in a dispute with a car manufacturer over a malfunctioning or defective vehicle, an Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help. We will evaluate your case, explain your rights, and lay out your options for making sure that the manufacturer is held fully accountable.
Our offices are conveniently located in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney today.
