ZF Recalls Steering Center Rods for 1996-2004 BMW 5 Series
ZF North America is recalling aftermarket steering center rods for 1996-2004 BMW 5 Series vehicles due to a risk of detachment causing loss of steering control.
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 (steering linkage) that can cause sudden loss of steering control and increase the risk of a crash, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.
Plain-English summary
ZF Group North America Operations (ZF) is recalling certain Lemförder Steering Center Rods sold as aftermarket parts for 1996-2004 BMW 5-Series (E39) vehicles. The recall involves 614 units. The defect is an insufficient ball pin pull force, which may allow the rods to detach from the steering knuckle.
If the steering rod detaches from the steerable wheel knuckle, it can cause sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. No specific injuries or crashes have been reported in the source text.
ZF has notified parts distributors to inform end customers and will reimburse them for the affected parts. The recall began on August 28, 2019. Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW 5 SERIES
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- ZF North America, Inc.
- Category
- Vehicle — Steering System
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 614
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)
- 5 SERIES
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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