August 22, 2024 – BMW has initiated a massive recall in the United States, affecting over 720,000 vehicles equipped with faulty water pumps. These automobiles were manufactured between 2012 and 2018.
According to a recall notice issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), fluids from the positive crankcase ventilation system may accumulate on the intake hose. This accumulation can potentially lead to droplets falling onto plug connectors, which, over time, might cause short circuits, thereby increasing the risk of fire.
The recall specifically impacts various BMW models, including the X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i (2012-2015), Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi (2012-2016), X5 xdrive 40e (2016-2018), 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo (2014-2016), X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i (2013-2017), X4 xDrive28i (2015-2018), and 428xi (2015-2016). In total, 720,796 vehicles are being recalled, with the BMW 328i and 328xi models from 2012 to 2016 being the most affected, involving 236,702 cars.
BMW first became aware of this potential issue on March 19, 2024, when the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport contacted them regarding a vehicle fire incident. This prompted BMW to initiate an investigation, which revealed a similar occurrence in the US in January.
Over the following months, BMW conducted tests on field parts, analyzed water pumps, and investigated plug connectors. They discovered that under certain rare vehicle operating conditions, the sealing of the electrical plug connector could be compromised due to liquids dripping from the intake hose of the positive crankcase ventilation system.
BMW informed the NHTSA that they were aware of 18 customer complaints, concerns, and field reports in the US that may be related to this issue but were not aware of any accidents or injuries.
Owners of the affected models will receive recall notices starting on October 4 and will be instructed to take their vehicles to a dealership for inspection of the water pump and plug connectors. If necessary, replacements will be made, and a protective shield will be installed to divert any liquids that may drip from the intake hose of the positive crankcase ventilation system onto the pump.
