The “Toyota effect” of increased recalls after record fines imposed by NHTSA continues at all automakers.
BMW is expanding an earlier recall for braking failure to more than 30,000 2007-2010 model X5 sport utility vehicles equipped with a V8 engine. The German automaker had previously recalled 5-, 6-, and 7- Series models in 2010 for the same problem, although the routing of the vacuum line was horizontal rather than vertical.
In all cases, the safety defect is caused by the brake vacuum pump, which may leak lubricating oil into the vacuum hose causing it to fail, resulting in a loss of power assist braking. BMW said an analysis of what were increasing rates of warranty claims eventually lead to the latest recall.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge as is required by U.S. safety regulations. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to www.safercar.gov.
Read AutoInformed on BMW Follows Toyota by Paying $3 Million Fine for not Reporting Known Safety Defects within Five Days to NHTSA
