NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Steering complaints
10 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · May 21, 2024
EngineSteering
BMW issued a recall 10/23/2023 for VANOS Assembly (Engine) Bolts and I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired since January 2, 2024 when my care started having a rough running engine with the Check Engine lamp illuminated and the car was barely maintaining speed on the interstate. I was fearful of having a wreck or being ru…
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BMW issued a recall 10/23/2023 for VANOS Assembly (Engine) Bolts and I have been trying to get my vehicle repaired since January 2, 2024 when my care started having a rough running engine with the Check Engine lamp illuminated and the car was barely maintaining speed on the interstate. I was fearful of having a wreck or being run over by the other cars since my car was not responding to giving it gas to accelerate on the road. I have contacted BMW on 1/2/2024, 4/15/2024, and gain today 5/21/2024 and they are telling me the remedy is still not available. I had Groves Automotive, a certified BMW repair shop, who are my automotive repair shop call for the repair too. My car was just serviced at Groves in the last 3 weeks and passed inspection. The Check Engine warning lamp came on again this morning while driving to work and again the vehicle was not able to accelerate and was running very rough. I am fearful of my safety and the safety of others when I have to drive back and forth to work.
NHTSA ODI #11589880
Mileage unknown · Feb 13, 2024
Service BrakesSteeringUnknown Or OtherCrash
I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It a…
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I got up to leave my house and entered my vehicle and proceeded to start my car. I started it and moved the gear shift so that I can reverse out my driveway. With my foot on the brake I attempted to put the car in reverse and soon as I took the car out of park, my car accelerated forward and the brakes completely locked up. It accelerated so hard and fast that it broke through my gate and knocked down my other gate. I turned the car off when it accelerated because the brakes locked and even with the power off the car accelerated. There is no possible way my foot was on the gas because I was pulled in my driveway facing my house and had that been the case I would’ve went backwards not forward. The very second I took the car out of park it accelerated forward and would not stop. Luckily I thought to turn it off as a last resort and even then it continued to accelerate and knock down my second gate as well. I was very scared and as a safety precaution, I will no longer drive the car. Had I been anywhere but home this could’ve caused serious injury to myself or others and had it been parked a few feet over it would’ve accelerated into my living room where my son was sitting.
NHTSA ODI #11571775
Mileage unknown · Dec 6, 2020
Air BagsElectrical SystemSteering
AIR BAG IS BROKEN STEERING IS VERY HARD TO TURN THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WENT OUT AND 1S GEAR IS HAVING PROBLEMS TAKING OFF. I FEAR FOR MY LIFE EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY ONLY CAR. CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THESE RECALLS PROBLEMS
NHTSA ODI #11378065
121,693 miles · Dec 25, 2019
Exterior LightingSteeringWheels
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND MY 3RD TOP CENTER BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER WORKED. MY TIRES THE TREAD SEEMS LOW AND I SHOULD HAVE HAD NEW TIRES ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE STEERING SEEMS MORE DIFFICULT WHEN TURNING THAN IT SHOULD BE. ALSO I DIDN'T RECEIVE 2 KEYS. MY OWNERS MANUAL SAYS I SHOULD RECEIVE 2 KEYS. I ALSO HAD TO…
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE AND MY 3RD TOP CENTER BRAKE LIGHT HAS NEVER WORKED. MY TIRES THE TREAD SEEMS LOW AND I SHOULD HAVE HAD NEW TIRES ON THE CAR WHEN I PURCHASED IT. THE STEERING SEEMS MORE DIFFICULT WHEN TURNING THAN IT SHOULD BE. ALSO I DIDN'T RECEIVE 2 KEYS. MY OWNERS MANUAL SAYS I SHOULD RECEIVE 2 KEYS. I ALSO HAD TO ORDER MY OWNERS MANUAL AND MY CAR DIDN'T COME WITH IT'S OWNERS MANUAL.
NHTSA ODI #11291148
6,000 miles · Nov 30, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train
THE ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON, BUT NOTHING WOULD BE WRONG WITH THE CAR AT LEAST I THOUGHT.
NHTSA ODI #11155274
55,000 miles · Mar 6, 2017
Air BagsFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrash
HAD SEVERAL RECALLS SENT BUT EVERYTIME I CONTACT AND TOOK MY CAR . BMW STATED THAT PARTS ARE NOT IN. BEEN 2 YEARS, SO I WAS STILL PAYING AND THEN TOLD UNTIL GET GET FIXED. NO PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE ON A CAR THEY KNEW WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DID NOT FOR 2 YEARS. TOOK CAR AGAIN IN 2/2017. SAME ANSWER. NOW THEY WANT TO TAKE CARE AND…
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HAD SEVERAL RECALLS SENT BUT EVERYTIME I CONTACT AND TOOK MY CAR . BMW STATED THAT PARTS ARE NOT IN. BEEN 2 YEARS, SO I WAS STILL PAYING AND THEN TOLD UNTIL GET GET FIXED. NO PAYMENTS WILL BE MADE ON A CAR THEY KNEW WAS A SAFETY HAZARD AND DID NOT FOR 2 YEARS. TOOK CAR AGAIN IN 2/2017. SAME ANSWER. NOW THEY WANT TO TAKE CARE AND CHARGE ME DUE TO THEIR LACK TO SERVICE MY BMW , WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD TO DRIVE
NHTSA ODI #10958742
Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2017
Electrical SystemSteering
IN MODELS EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL THERMOSTAT VERY OCCASSIONALLY MALFUNCTIONS AND OVERHEATS. IT BECOMES VERY HOT, ALMOST TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING BURNS. IT APPEARS POWER CYCLING THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES CAN RESOLVE THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. HOWEVER, IT STILL CAN TAKE SEVERAL MINUT…
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IN MODELS EQUIPPED WITH A HEATED STEERING WHEEL, THE STEERING WHEEL THERMOSTAT VERY OCCASSIONALLY MALFUNCTIONS AND OVERHEATS. IT BECOMES VERY HOT, ALMOST TOO HOT TO TOUCH AND POTENTIALLY CAUSING BURNS. IT APPEARS POWER CYCLING THE SWITCH SEVERAL TIMES CAN RESOLVE THE ISSUE TEMPORARILY. HOWEVER, IT STILL CAN TAKE SEVERAL MINUTES TO COOL DOWN TO A SAFE OPERATING TEMPERATURE. OBVIOUSLY, THIS CAN BECOME VERY DANGEROUS WHEN OPERATING A VEHICLE, ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #10939797
17,000 miles · Dec 4, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingPower TrainSteering
I WAS DRIVING ON FREE WAY AROUND 65-70 MPH, SUDDENLY THE CAR LOST CONTROL, VEERING,JERKING, STEERING WHEEL LOST CONTROL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10487388
300 miles · Mar 9, 2012
Engine And Engine CoolingEquipmentLatches/locks/linkages
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE ALONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK OPENED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE DEALER FOUND THE LOCK ACTUATOR WAS NOT LOCKING COMP…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE ALONG WITH THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT ON ONE OCCASION, THE TRUNK OPENED WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH. THE DEALER FOUND THE LOCK ACTUATOR WAS NOT LOCKING COMPLETELY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,000. UPDATED 04/11/12 *BF THE CONSUMER STATED THE GPS SYSTEM DIDN'T ALLOW HER TO PUT IN 95% OF THE ADDRESSES. SOMETIMES, THE GPS GAVE THE CONSUMER THE WRONG DIRECTIONS. ALSO, THE ENGINE VIBRATED AFTER SITTING FOR A PERID OF TIME. UPDATED 05/11/12
NHTSA ODI #10451018
100 miles · Oct 6, 2011
Steering
VEHICLE DRIVES TO THE RIGHT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS POSITIONED IN THE CENTER POSITION. STRAIGHT-LINE DRIVING POSITION IS SEVERAL DEGREES TO THE LEFT. PULL TO THE RIGHT WAS AMPLIFIED WITH SPEED; HIGHWAY DRIVING WAS VERY NOTICEABLE. DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AT 1600 MILES AND FOUND REAR CAMBER, REAR TOE, AND FRONT LEFT TOE OUT …
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VEHICLE DRIVES TO THE RIGHT WHEN STEERING WHEEL IS POSITIONED IN THE CENTER POSITION. STRAIGHT-LINE DRIVING POSITION IS SEVERAL DEGREES TO THE LEFT. PULL TO THE RIGHT WAS AMPLIFIED WITH SPEED; HIGHWAY DRIVING WAS VERY NOTICEABLE. DEALER PERFORMED AN ALIGNMENT AT 1600 MILES AND FOUND REAR CAMBER, REAR TOE, AND FRONT LEFT TOE OUT OF SPEC. IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS THE PROBLEM REMAINED. TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AT 2200 MILES FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT. VEHICLE STILL HAS SLIGHT PULL TO THE RIGHT BUT THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINS OFF-CENTER. AGAIN, STRAIGHT-LINE DRIVING POSITION IS SEVERAL DEGREES TO THE LEFT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10428889
Official recalls
7Jul 3, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 30, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Oct 25, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Apr 10, 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
Feb 7, 2013
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Electrical System
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.
Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Sep 15, 2011
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 328I XDRIVE AND 335I XDRIVE VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 8, 2011, THROUGH JULY 29, 2011. THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS MAY NOT HAVE BEEN TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION. IF THE BOLTS WERE NOT TIGHTENED TO SPECIFICATION, THEY MAY BECOME LOOSE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE BOLTS LOOSEN, IT COULD LEAD TO A LOSS OF POWER TO THE FRONT WHEELS AND ULTIMATELY A VEHICLE BREAKDOWN, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FRONT DRIVESHAFT ATTACHMENT BOLTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING OCTOBER 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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