BMW Recalls 121,000 SUVs Over Stalling Issues

BMW has announced that it will expand a May 2016 recall of SUVs to include 121,737 additional SUVs that may contain a defective driveshaft. According to a news report in Consumerist.com, the recall includes vehicles from model years 2011 to 2015 X5 and X6 vehicles. Documents filed by BMW with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), water and debris may enter the front driveshaft’s universal joint, causing excessive wear and possibly resulting in the joint’s failure.

Details of the Recall

If this happens, the front wheels won’t receive torque effectively turning the SUV into a rear-wheel drive vehicle. BMW warns that continuing to drive the vehicle with the broken front universal joint may cause damage to other components increasing the risk of a crash. In some extreme cases, vehicle owners may be left with an SUV that is stalled and won’t drive at all.

The German automaker says in its filings that it decided to expand the recall after noticing an increase in the number of warranty claims involving cases where vehicle components that were in close proximity to the driveshaft were damaged, in some cases, rendering the SUV inoperable. Engineering reviews conducted later found that the front driveshaft sealing systems were not made to specification. BMW says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall. When the recall begins in April, BMW will notify owners of affected vehicles and dealers will replace the front driveshaft at no cost to consumers.

If Your Vehicle Has Been Recalled

If your vehicle is part of a safety recall, it is important that you respond promptly by taking your vehicle to the dealership and getting it fixed. It costs you nothing, but gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that the safety issue has been fixed. When a vehicle is defective, there is the danger of vehicle occupants and even bystanders suffering serious injuries.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to a faulty vehicle or vehicle part, you may be able to file an auto product liability lawsuit against the automaker and/or the manufacturer seeking compensation for damages including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, rehabilitation, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Vehicle owners may also be able to file a class action lawsuit seeking compensation for their losses. An experienced auto defect lawyer will be able to help evaluate your legal rights and options.