It seems like today has unleashed a torrent of vehicle recalls, and this latest recall adds thousands of additional automobiles to the recall total.
This recall was announced by BMW of North America and concerns their X5 and X6 sport utility vehicles of the 2012 and 2013 model years. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 2,642 SUVsare encompassed by the recall. The X6 SUVs being recalled are only of the 2013 model year, while the X5s affected are from 2012 and 2013.
The defect that initiated the recall has to do with the vehicles’ potential to leak power steering fluid while in use. This is caused by a machining error that took place while the vehicles were being produced. This error affects the surface of the steering gear. Should the aforementioned leak occur, then the liquid, which is highly flammable, can strike engine exhaust parts, and the heat being thrown off by these parts can ignite the power steering fluid. The resulting fire can compromise the vehicle’s viability and the safety of the driver and passengers.
BMW has announced their intentions to notify all owners of affected vehicles. This notification should begin at some point next month, at which time consumers will be able to bring their SUVs in to a BMW dealer to receive a free inspection and repairs.