Massive BMW Recall Hits U.S, Japan, South Africa

Updated: Monday, February 25, 2013, 12:52 [IST]

The Bavarian automaker has recalled about 7,50,000 of its vehicles in one of its largest recalls ever. The recall affects BMW customers in different countries, including the United States, Japan and South Africa. US regulator, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and BMW have issued statements relating to the recall, which explain that the recall is due to an electric failure that could bring cars to a stop unexpectedly.

Dividing the number of affected vehicles market wise BMW has announced that 504,545 units in the U.S, 100,000 units in Japan, 65,285 in Canada and 50,000 in South Africa will be recalled.

The vehicle models affected by the faults include those from the 3-Series and 1-Series (sedans, convertibles, coupes and sports wagons), Even Z4 roadsters fall under the list. All affected vehicles were manufactured between the time span of March 2007 and July 2011.

In its statement BMW has said that the electric problem, specifically related to a degrading battery cable, caused a BMW vehicle to crash in Canada, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Furthermore, 30,265 X5 SUVs in the U.S and 1,800 X1 compact crossovers from Canada have also been recalled. The X5s in the U.S suffer from leakage of brake lubricating oil, which could result in failure of power assist braking.

All of the recalled BMW models are also sold in India, but as of now, no reports about vehicle faults have emerged in the country.