BMW has issued a recall order affecting more than a million vehicles worldwide because a problem in their engine ventilation systems can lead to a vehicle fire. The recall affects about 917,000 vehicles in the U.S.
In documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW explains, the problem may be present in the vehicles’ positive crankcase ventilation valve heater, commonly known as a blow-by heater. “Irregularities in the supplier production process” have left some vehicles with a short-circuit in the valve. This creates heat that, over time, could build up and trigger an engine fire.
Fire can develop even in a parked car.
The recalled models include:
- 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
- 2006-2013 BMW 3 Series
- 2006-2010 BMW 5 Series
- 2007-2010 BMW X3
- 2007-2010 BMW X5
- 2006-2011 BMW Z4
The automaker is still working on a remedy for the problem. Owners should receive a notice in the mail in late April or early May with instructions. When the repair comes, it will be performed free of charge.
In the meantime, BMW says, drivers who smell smoke or burning plastic or see smoke rising from the engine compartment should stop in a safe location and exit the vehicle.
Many cars are recalled to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
