Will the Third Time be the Charm? BMW Issues Yet Another Fire Risk Recall
» Posted April 11, 2022 • Resources | Share This Post
BMW may be at the higher end when it comes to the price of its vehicles, but the luxury automaker has the same problems as everyone else when it comes to ensuring its cars are safe to drive.
The company is taking another shot at fixing some 900,000 cars at risk of engine compartment fires. Most of the vehicles have already been recalled twice over the defect.
An electrical short in the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater can cause the vehicles to overheat and catch fire, the company told federal regulators.
“Irregularities may have occurred in the supplier manufacturing process which could lead to a short circuit,” BMW said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. “A short circuit could cause the PCV valve heater to overheat. If this occurs, this could increase the risk of a fire.”
The company said it was aware of at least eight such fires, but that no accidents or injuries had resulted from the defect.
The recall covers various 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3, and Z4 vehicles from the 2006 through 2013 model years. Owners of recalled vehicles will be notified by the end of April, according to BMW.
Sadly, the company acknowledged that it still does not know how to fix the problem.
“The remedy is currently being developed,” BMW told NHTSA.
The risk is greatest when cars are driven shortly after having been parked, according to the company. Although owners can still drive the cars, BMW warned that drivers should pull the vehicle over and turn off the engine if they smell smoke or burning plastic or see smoke from the engine compartment.
How the California Lemon Law Protects BMW Owners
This, unfortunately, is not the only problem that BMW owners have had to face.
Last year, for example, the company recalled 50,000 cars over a brake assist defect that BMW said could increase the risk of a crash. The move came months after BMW recalled 14,000 2 Series Gran Coupes over malfunctioning sunroofs.
The good news for BMW and other car owners in California is that you do not need to wait for a recall to get defective vehicles fixed.
The California lemon law requires car manufacturers to perform a full range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces manufacturers to buy back cars that they cannot or decline to fix. That includes compensating the owner for the down payment on the vehicle, as well as financing charges, towing, rental cars and other related expenses.
Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney
If you are locked 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 have successfully assisted car owners across the state. 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.
