BMW is recalling certain 2012 X5 X-Drive 35D diesel Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) for a problem that could lead to loss of power steering assistance. The problem is being blamed on a manufacturing error at the supplier which could lead to the welds on the belt tensioner developing small cracks, eventually leading to complete failure of the belt tensioner. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact BMW’s customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417, or email customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Category Archives: BMW
BMW Mini Cooper Investigated For Steering
Difficult steering in BMW’s 2004-2005 Mini Cooper has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade its investigation to include almost 60,000 vehicles. The investigation began last fall with over 500 complaints filed with the NHTSA, and 4,500 warranty claims with BMW. Among the complaints were allegations of five minor crashes, three of which resulted in a fire. The suspect part is a malfunctioning cooling fan which causes an under voltage condition in the power steering electrical system. Drivers have complained about loss of power assist making it difficult to maneuver the vehicle, and the inability to restart the vehicle because of a drained battery. If the investigation leads to a recall, over 200,000 Minis built between 2001-2007 could be involved.
Record Recalls For Auto Industry In 2010
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2010 had the fourth largest number of recalls since the agency started keeping track in 1966. The total amount of recalls reached 20.3 million vehicles with Toyota leading the pack with 6.7 million vehicles recalled. Though this may seem like a record amount, in 2004 the auto industry had the highest recalls with almost 31 million units recalled. While Japanese vehicles have always been known for quality and safety, 2010 was the first year that three Japanese automakers ended up in the top five.
Safety recalls have become more common since 2000, when Congress passed legislation to spot safety defects more quickly. This was in direct response to a massive Firestone recall for defective tires. In 2010, as a result of Toyota’s unintended acceleration recall, Congress, not only increased penalties against automobile companies, but also increased safety standards for vehicles as well as gave the government more power when it comes to recalls. As a resulted more and more recalls are being initiated by automakers, also known as “voluntary recalls.” This does not mean that automakers have the choice to initiate a recall, it only means the recall was not enforced by the NHTSA.
Below is a list of the top automakers number of recalls from 2010:
- Toyota: 17 recalls – 6.7 million vehicles
- General Motors: 21 recalls – 4 million vehicles
- Honda: 15 recalls – 2.4 million vehicles
- Nissan: 16 recalls – 2.1 million vehicles
- Chrysler Group: 17 recalls – 1.6 million vehicles
- Ford Motor: 9 recalls – 581,107 vehicles
- Volkswagen: 2 recalls – 393,188 vehicles
- BMW: 15 recalls – 288,503 vehicles
- Mazda: 3 recalls – 243,500 vehicles
Whether it be the increased involvement of government in the auto industry or the the increased safety features in today’s automobiles, traffic deaths last year also fell to the lowest level in 60 years.
BMW Rolls Royce Recall for Braking Problems
Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) is recalling BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, and Rolls Royce models to fix a potential problem with the braking power assist system. A leak in the system can result in a loss of vacuum pressure, reducing the amount of brake assistance given to the driver. BMW said the mechanical brakes will still function and be able to slow and stop the car, but more driver effort is required to press the pedal.
The recall includes cars built between 2002-2010 with 8 and 12 cylinder engines. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
- 2002-08 BMW 745i/Li, 750i/Li, and 760i/Li
- 2007-08 BMW Alpina B7v
- 2004-10 BMW 645i and 650i
- 2004-10 BMW 545i and 550i
- 2003-2010 Rolls-Royce Phantom models
The company says it will notify owners by first-class mail in the next few weeks. Drivers who experience reduced power braking assistance should immediately schedule a service appointment with an authorized BMW service center.
Automobile Recalls For October 2010
- BMW and Rolls-Royce are recalling vehicles for a leak in a check valve of the brake vacuum pump that could lead to the loss of Power assisted braking. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
- 2004-2010 5-Series
- 2004-2010 6-Series
- 2002-2008 7-Series
- 2003-2010 Phantom
- 2007-2010 Phantom Drophead coupe
- 2008-2010 Phantom coupe
Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417, for more information.
- Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles built between December 2009 to September 2010. Some of these vehicles may have an improperly assembled steering columns that could lead in loss or reduction of steering. Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
- Mercedes Benz is recalling some 2010 C-class, E-class and 2010-2011 E-class vehicles for a problem with the power steering. The problem is being blamed on connections that have been improperly torqued during manufacturing. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 for more information.
- Chrysler is recalling some 2010 Sebring, 300, Charger (LX), Dodge Challenger (LC), Avenger (JS), Journey (JC), and 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (DS) vehicles for power steering problems. The crimp on the power steering pressure hose assembly may leak fluid on the engine creating a fire hazard. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for additional information.
- GM is recalling 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impalas for front safety belt webbing that may have not been properly secured to the seat. Dealers will inspect and repair recalled vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.
BMW Finally Recalls Defective Fuel Pumps
After years of complaints and online petitions from consumers, BMW is finally recalling about 130,000 vehicles for a fuel pump defect. The German car manufacturer said that some models may experience a high pressure fuel pump failure which could lead to a stalling engine. If the engine stalls, the driver will lose power assist for steering and brakes, but both will remain operational. The vehicles involved are equipped with twin turbo inline six cylinder engines that feature BMW’s High Precision Injection direct fuel injection system. The models affected by this recall are:
- 2007-2010 335i series
- 2008-2010 135i
- 2008-2010 535i
- 2008-2010 X6 xDrive35i Sports Activity Coupes
- 2009-2010 Z4 Roadster35i
Symptoms of the faulty pump include long crank engine starting with “Service Engine Soon” warning or reduced engine performance accompanied by a tone and the illumination of the “Engine Malfunction” light. Complaints of vibration and loss of power while driving have also been noted.
In a separate recall, BMW will also be recalling about 21,000 2008 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles equipped with normally aspirated inline six cylinder engines to replace the low pressure fuel pump. These vehicles could also experience a stalling engine which could lead to loss of power assist for the steering and brakes.
The recall will be sent out as first class mail requesting the scheduling of a service appointment at an authorized BMW dealership. If customers have and questions they can contact their authorized BMW Center, call 1-800-563-4269 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
BMW and Rolls-Royce Recall For Brake Problem
BMW has announced a world wide recall on almost 350,000 BMW 5, 6, and 7 series models built since 2002. The German car maker announced that some high mileage vehicles with 8 or 12 cylinder engines may experience brake fluid leakage into the hydraulics, preventing pressure from building up. The brakes will continue to work, but the driver will notice that more pressure is required on the brake pedal. A spokesman for BMW’s luxury brand Rolls-Royce said that they have not had any complaints regarding their Phantom models, but will ask Phantom customers to bring in their vehicles for inspection as well.
Our Recent Lemon Law Settlements In California
Here at the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, we represent our clients to the highest legal standards. In over 22 years of helping California consumers, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases, with all vehicle manufacturers. We are especially proud of the fact that in more than 9 out of 10 of these cases we are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the settlements fast and stress free for our clients. The high standards we have set to represent only those clients with legitimate lemon law claims means that we do not compromise our integrity or reputation. Our goal is not to be “largest” lemon law firm in California, but to continue to be the best.
Below is a list of some of our most recent success stories where we helped consumers get settlements for their lemons:
- 1. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Full buy back Alta Loma, CA 26,612 miles
- 2. 2009 Honda Accord Full buy back Burbank, CA 10,845 miles
- 3. 2004 Jaguar 3.0 S type Full buy back Aliso Viejo, CA 35,233 miles
- 4. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Full buy back Concord, CA 45,500 miles
- 5. 2006 Jeep Commander Full buy back Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 42,930 miles
- 6. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Cash and Keep Irvine, CA 22,295 miles
- 7. 2008 BMW 328i Full buy back Reseda, CA 30,496
- 8. 2008 VW Passat Cash and Keep Panorama City, CA 40,869 miles
- 9. 2005 Mercedes Benz SL 55 AMG Full buy back San Ramon, CA 40,103 miles
- 10. 2008 Nissan Rogue Cash and Keep Whittier, CA 17,091 miles
- 11. 2007 Land Rover Full buy back Los Angeles, CA 28,511 miles
- 12. 2007 BMW X5 Full buy back Anaheim, CA 28,641 miles
- 13. 2007 Toyota Tundra Full buy back Whittier, CA 19,492 miles
- 14. 2007 Kia Rio Full buy back Santa Rosa, CA 62,825 miles
- 15. 2007 Hyundai Vera Cruz Full buy back Upland, CA 40,111 miles
If you are in California and feel that you may have a lemon, contact our lemon law offices, or fill out our Lemon Law Case Review, for a FREE consultation.
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
- California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
- California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
- California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
- California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
- California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
- California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
