BMW Recalls 157,796 Vehicles for Potential Engine Stall Risk
BMW is recalling 157,796 vehicles from 2010-2012 because aluminum bolts securing the VANOS unit may loosen or break, potentially causing an engine stall and increasing crash risk.
What this means for you
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (engine stall leading to crash risk) where injury has not yet been reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling 157,796 vehicles, including 2010-2012 1 Series, 3 Series, 2010-2011 5 Series, X3, X5, and Z4 models. The recall addresses a defect where aluminum bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and possibly break.
Loose or broken VANOS unit bolts can result in an engine stall, which increases the risk of a crash. No specific dates for when the defect occurs are provided, but the issue is related to the bolts loosening over time.
Dealers will replace the four VANOS bolts free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were expected to be mailed on December 18, 2023, and owner notification letters were mailed on June 19, 2024. Owners may 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, Z4, 3 SERIES, 1 SERIES
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Engine Component
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 157,796
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 (6)
- X5
- Z4
- 3 SERIES
- 1 SERIES
- 5 SERIES
- X3
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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