(Newswire.net — November 13, 2016) — Every year, a variety of factory recalls involve vehicles that have been unintentionally built with defects. Recalls are understandable in most instances because of the difficulty of getting a product perfect every time.
However, with vehicles, it’s still a frightening phenomenon that can sometimes lead to deadly accidents. Recently, BMW issued a recall that included more than 154,000 of the brand’s vehicles due to issues in the engine.
Apparently, a serious wiring problem can cause the engine to stall at random times. This is not just an annoying problem, but one that can also lead to a potentially dangerous situation when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, in heavy traffic, or under icy road conditions.
Not only that, but the problem has been linked to a potential fuel leak. The wires, which were insufficiently crimped, can possibly grow too hot and melt during the engine stall, and the melted wires can put a hole in the fuel tank.
Many BMW owners have discovered this problem when they smelled gasoline in their vehicle interior, and the “check engine” light appeared on the dashboard. To repeat, this can present a very serious issue that could lead to illness or increased risk of combustion.
Fortunately, no injuries or mortalities have yet been reported for these vehicles. If you should find yourself in this situation, however, you might be eligible for a settlement or legal aid.
The first reports of these problems were recorded in June 2011. After repeated incidents, the luxury vehicle company finally issued a mass recall for the following models:
- 2007-2011 X5
- 2008-2011 X6
- 20110-2011 X6 ACTIVEHYBRID
- 2010-2011 5-Series Gran Turismo
- 2011-2012 528I
- 2011-2012 535I
- 2011-2012 550I
- 2012 640I
- 2012 650I
Owners of any of these models should contact a BMW dealer as soon as possible to move to the next step. They can also visit NHTSA for further information about factory recalls and how to handle them.
With some vehicle factory recalls, the manufacturer may replace the entire car if the problem is too great to fix. In this case, however, BMW dealers will more likely make a few repairs. The main problem resulted from improperly crimped wiring for the fuel pump in the gas tank, and this is not terribly difficult to fix.
The process will include repairs to the fuel pump. The average cost of this repair is about $600, and it takes several hours to complete. Though the timeframe will not be shortened, the repairs will be handled free of charge, thanks to the factory recall.
Most people who own one of the BMWs on the recall list can expect a letter in the mail sometime in December. It will explain the factory recall in full detail and point out the next steps.
To help BMW dealers handle the influx of vehicles that need repair, the letter will likely contain a pre-set appointment for your vehicle to be fixed at a local dealer. If that appointment does not work for you, it can easily be changed, given at least 24 hours notice.
If you own one of the listed vehicles and don’t receive such a letter, don’t be concerned. As cars age and get passed from owner to owner, the registration can sometimes become confused, and the letter might end up being sent to a previous owner.
If you don’t receive the letter, but believe you need to have your vehicle fixed, contact BMW on your own, and they’ll assist you with the steps to follow.
Factory recalls can be alarming and inconvenient, but it’s essential that you deal with the problem. No one will force you to take your car in for repair, so it’s your responsibility to do so.
If you do not heed the factory recall and make plans to get the problem fixed, there’s a chance the problem could result someday in injury or death, and at that point, the company will no longer be liable for your negligence in arranging to get it fixed.