The Toyota effect continues at all automakers.
BMW is recalling six, yes six, 2012 model year X5 xDrive 35i sports activity vehicles because the ZF made transmission may not actually be in park even if the “P” position has been selected and is displayed.
This by my reckoning makes BMW the Silver medal holder for the second smallest recall in history under regulations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. First place Gold belongs to Germany’s largest automaker, Volkswagen, for recalling four, yes, four 2012 CC cars last June when optional wheels and tires were installed when the cars were imported without the correct tire pressure monitoring sensors in them. (See Smallest Recall in History as Volkswagen Recalls Four Cars?)
In third place with a Bronze medal resides Toyota, the reason for the renewed emphasis on following recall regulations to the letter, after Toyota was fined in 2010 millions of dollars for covering up safety effects. Last August Toyota recalled 32 model year 2011 Lexus RX350 sport utility vehicles equipped with vehicle dynamics integrated management (VDIM). The calibration for the hydraulic control valves from ADVICS manufacturing in Ohio is incorrect. Because of this safety defect, Toyota said in a NHTSA filing, there is a possibility that the right front wheel may not be controlled properly during antilock brake system operation or vehicle stability control actuation.
Regarding the latest BMW recall, owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, which is also available at http://www.safercar.gov. Dealers will replace the automatic transmission free of charge as is required under NHTSA regulations. In the required NHTSA filing, BMW said it is in the process of contacting the owners of three vehicles believed to be in customer service.
