BMW Recalls X5 and X6 Vehicles for Steering Gear Fire Risk
BMW is recalling 2012-2013 X5 and 2013 X6 vehicles because a steering gear defect may cause power steering fluid to leak onto hot exhaust parts, increasing the risk of an engine compartment fire.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk of engine compartment fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or high-risk vehicle defects, warranting a Severe classification.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2012 X5 vehicles equipped with a diesel engine, as well as 2013 X5 and X6 vehicles. The recall addresses a machining error on the steering gear surface that may cause power steering fluid to leak.
Leaking power steering fluid can spray onto hot exhaust parts, which increases the risk of an engine compartment fire. No specific number of affected units is provided in the source text, though the recall covers the specified model years and engine configurations.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the steering gear free of charge. The safety recall began on July 20, 2012. Owners may contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW X6, X5
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 2,642
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (2)
- X6
- X5
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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