BMW said Tuesday it is recalling 720,796 vehicles in North America because they are equipped with an electric water pump that can short out as a result of improper installation, posing a fire hazard.
According to recall documents posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can expose it to water and short circuits.”
Specifically, “blowby fluid from the positive crankcase ventilation system can collect on the intake air hose” and eventually “drip onto the connector,” potentially seeping in, causing an electrical short.
“This may increase the risk of a thermal event and, in rare cases, a fire,” the recall states.
The recall applies to the following BMW models:
| DO | MODEL | YEAR |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 228I | 2014-2016 |
| BMW | 228 XI | 2014-2016 |
| BMW | 328I | 2012-2016 |
| BMW | 328 XI | 2012-2016 |
| BMW | 428I | 2014-2016 |
| BMW | 428 XI | 2015-2016 |
| BMW | 528I | 2012-2016 |
| BMW | X1 | 2012-2015 |
| BMW | X3 | 2013-2017 |
| BMW | X4 | 2015-2018 |
| BMW | X5 | 2016-2018 |
| BMW | Z4 | 2012-2016 |
Dealers will replace the water pump and plug and install a protective screen free of charge. Notification letters will be sent to vehicle owners on October 4. Owners can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
BMW’s number for the recall is “24V-608.” Owners may also contact the NHTSA Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (toll-free at 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov for further information.
This month, BMW has received approximately 18 customer complaints related to the faulty pump, BMW said in recall documents. There have been no reports of accidents or injuries related to the recall, according to the company.
This is the third recall by the German automaker since July. BMW recalled on July 24 more than 290,000 vehicles in North America due to faulty bolts that could cause the inner load rail to fall off in a rear-end collision.
On July 10, the car company recalled more than 394,000 vehicles in North America due to Takata-made airbag inflators that can explode when deployed in a crash, potentially hitting drivers and passengers with sharp metal fragments.