The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·16V919000·Announced 2016-12-21

BMW Recalls 2016 X5 xDrive40e Vehicles Due to Electrical Ground Cable Issue

BMW is recalling 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles because a loose electrical ground cable may cause the transmission to shift to neutral, increasing crash risk.

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 structural vehicle defect (electrical system) that can cause the transmission to shift to neutral, creating a significant risk of a crash.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2016 X5 xDrive40e vehicles manufactured between July 29, 2015, and September 9, 2015. The recall addresses a defect in the Digital Motor Electronic (DME) control unit where a loose electrical ground cable may create an under-voltage condition.

This electrical issue can result in the transmission unexpectedly shifting to neutral while driving. If the vehicle shifts to neutral, there is an increased risk of a crash. The recall began on February 6, 2017.

Owners will be notified by BMW. Dealers will tighten the ground cable free of charge. Owners may also contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
BMW X5
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Electrical System
Hazard
Affected units
8

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 (1)

  • X5

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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