BMW Recalls Charging Cords
» Posted November 14, 2018 • Resources | Share This Post
BMW recently announced that it’s recalling the portable charging cords for what amounts to essentially the carmaker’s entire line of electric vehicles for 2018 and 2019.
A defect in the cords could cause shocks or fires when used to power up BMW vehicles, according to a notice posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website. The company recalled the parts starting in September after becoming aware of the problem with capacitors in the TurboCord portable chargers.
“Please be assured that your safety is important to us, and we sincerely apologize if this recall causes any inconvenience,” BMW said in notification letters to affected customers.
Manufacturing Defect
The voluntary safety recall covers chargers for a range of BMW vehicles, including hybrids like the F15, F30, G12, G30, I01, and I12. But it involves only the TurboCord portable chargers, not home chargers or others purchased separately.
Owners who were issued or purchased TurboCord chargers can have them inspected and swapped out for new devices at a BMW Workshop. BMW customers affected by the recall should have started receiving notices in late November 2018.
The company told NHTSA it became aware of the problem when Webasto, the charge cord manufacturer, informed BMW that some of the devices were built with incompatible capacitors.
Protections for California Car Owners
The recall is another example of how design and manufacturing flaws can create significant safety hazards for anyone who gets in a car. The good news for motorists in the Golden State is that California law gives you certain protections in the event that your car malfunctions.
California’s “Lemon Law” gives car buyers who drive off the lot and later find out their vehicle isn’t up to snuff the chance to get it repaired, replaced or sent back. A car owner who qualifies under the law has the right to recoup the purchase price and/or down payment, financing charges, outstanding loan balance and related money damages like, car rental, towing and repair expenses.
The law generally covers situations in which the car maker has been unable to properly repair the vehicle within the warranty period. The number of opportunities the manufacturer has to be given to fix the problem before invoking the law depends on the type of defect and the specific safety concerns it poses.
Talk With an Experienced California Lemon Law Attorney
If you’re a California car owner driving a lemon, it is vital that you consult an experienced lawyer to consider your rights an options. The California Lemon Law attorneys at the Bickel Law Firm have represented hundreds of clients in defective vehicle cases across the state. We understand the significant stress that can come with haggling with car dealers and manufacturers. Our lawyers work aggressively to resolve these cases for the people that we represent.
Our offices are conveniently located in San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with an attorney.
