BMW has announced a recall of 720,796 vehicles in North America due to a potential fire hazard caused by faulty installation of an electric water pump. The issue stems from an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump that may be exposed to water and short circuit, posing a risk of a thermal event and, in rare cases, a fire. This recall affects various BMW models, including the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, and Z4, spanning model years from 2012 to 2018.
According to recall documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, blowby-liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system may collect on the intake air hose, eventually dripping onto the plug connector and potentially causing an electrical shortage. To address this issue, BMW dealers will replace the water pump and plug connector and install a protective shield at no cost to vehicle owners. Notification letters will be sent out on October 4, and affected owners can contact BMW customer service for further information.
Despite receiving approximately 18 customer complaints related to the faulty water pump, BMW has stated that there have been no reports of accidents or injuries associated with this recall. This marks the third recall by the German automaker in recent months, following recalls in July for faulty bolts causing interior cargo rail detachment and Takata-made airbag inflators that could explode upon deployment.
In light of these recalls, BMW is taking proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers. Owners of affected vehicles are encouraged to contact BMW customer service or visit the NHTSA website for additional information. As the company works to address these issues, it underscores the importance of timely recalls and proactive maintenance to prevent potential safety hazards in vehicles.