NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic complaints
10 reportsClear category filter70,000 miles · Jun 25, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFF…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND NOTICED THE BRAKES WOULD NOT RESPOND. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY EXCESSIVE FORCE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TWO DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT MECHANICS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTS. THE MECHANICS STATED THAT THE BRAKE VACUUM WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN A RECALL UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM). THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000. UPDATED 08/14/12*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED APPROXIMATELY TWO YEARS AGO, HE TOOK HIS VEHICLE TOT HE DEALER, AFTER HE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE. TWO MONTHS BEFORE THE RECALL WAS ISSUED, HE NOTICED HE HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKE A LITTLE HARDER, IN ORDER TO GET THE VEHICLE TO STOP. A LIGHT THEN ILLUMINATED. THE BRAKES WERE REPLACED TWICE. HOWEVER, THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE BRAKING PROBLEMS. UPDATED 08/16/12
NHTSA ODI #10463066
116,040 miles · Apr 6, 2012
Parking BrakeService Brakes, Hydraulic
PARKING BRAKE ACTUATOR FAILURE. PLASTIC GEAR BRAKES REOCCURRING PROBLEM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10454395
101,000 miles · Mar 6, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR IN THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE BRAKES WITH EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE T O RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUT…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING ON WET ROADS OR IN THROUGH A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESPOND WHEN THE BRAKES WERE APPLIED. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO SHIFT TO NEUTRAL AND APPLY THE BRAKES WITH EXTREME PRESSURE IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE T O RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS UNAWARE OF THE DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10450468
80,000 miles · Jan 31, 2012
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
I TOOK MY CAR FOR THE RECALL FOR THE BRAKES ALL THEY REPLACED WAS THE HOSES SAYING THAT THE VACUUM PUMP WHICH IS THE CAUSE OF MY BRAKES FAILING ISN'T COVERED UNDER RECALL SO MY CAR LEAKS A LOT OF OIL FROM THE PUMP WHICH COULD CAUSE LOST OF BRAKE POWER WHICH HAPPENED PLENTY OF TIMES. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10446049
108,000 miles · Aug 19, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAUL…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL ON THE GROUND UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MECHANIC STATED THERE WAS A LEAK IN THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP. NHTSA RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) MAY BE RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
NHTSA ODI #10420713
156,000 miles · Aug 10, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMX 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT THEN FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS, PER THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE, AND ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE MANUALLY. THE PARKING BRAKE EMITTING A GRINDING NOISE WHILE IT WAS BEING E…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMX 745I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER PARKING, HE ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE PARKING BRAKE, BUT THE BRAKE WOULD NOT ENGAGE. THE CONTACT THEN FOLLOWED THE INSTRUCTIONS, PER THE MANUFACTURERS WEBSITE, AND ENGAGED THE PARKING BRAKE MANUALLY. THE PARKING BRAKE EMITTING A GRINDING NOISE WHILE IT WAS BEING ENGAGED AND THE PARKING BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO HAVE THE FAILURE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 156,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
NHTSA ODI #10418403
83,700 miles · May 10, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO GET A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 745I. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 10 MPH AND APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY THE BRAKES ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOORBOARD IN ORDER TO GET A RESPONSE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 10V446000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM) BUT THE MANUFACTURER MADE THE CONTACT AWARE THAT HIS VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE A CRASH. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 83,700.
NHTSA ODI #10399911
Mileage unknown · Jan 14, 2011
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
2002 BMW 745I. CONSUMER STATES THAT HE RECEIVED A RECALL FOR THE BRAKE BOOSTER AND VACUUM LINE REPAIR. CONSUMER PAID FOR THE REPAIR IN JULY 2010 PRIOR TO THE OFFICIAL RECALL. *KB THE CONSUMER IS REQUESTING REIMBURSEMENT.
NHTSA ODI #10375891
Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2004
Service Brakes, HydraulicSteeringStructure
DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRUCK LID, STEERING AND SUSPENSION. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE TO L WHEN TURNING R AND VICE VERSA. *BF UPON MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED WHEN STRAIGHTENING THE VEHICLE TO TRACEL IN A STRAIGHT LINE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS CRANKED TO THE LEFT AND OFF CENTER BY 45 DEGREES. THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE STEE…
Read full complaint
DEFECTIVE BRAKES, TRUCK LID, STEERING AND SUSPENSION. WHEN DRIVING VEHICLE TO L WHEN TURNING R AND VICE VERSA. *BF UPON MAKING A RIGHT TURN FROM STOP OR SLOW SPEED WHEN STRAIGHTENING THE VEHICLE TO TRACEL IN A STRAIGHT LINE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS CRANKED TO THE LEFT AND OFF CENTER BY 45 DEGREES. THERE WAS A DELAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL TO RETURN TO A NORMAL POSITION. WHEN DRIVING 55 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL NOTICEABLY FIGHTS THE DRIVER AND ATTEMPTS TO TURN IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF THE WAY THE CONSUMER IS TURNING. THE VEHICLE OVER STEERS WHEN CHANGING LANES. THE STEERING OFTEN SPINS IN ONE DIRECTION OR THE OTHER WHEN VEHICLE BRAKES ARE ACTIVATED. THE BRAKES GRIND AND SQUEAK. *TC
NHTSA ODI #10103329
3,500 miles · Jan 2, 2003
Parking BrakeService Brakes, HydraulicCrash
BRAKES FAILED FOR 2ND TIME IN 2 WEEKS, RESULTING IN FENDER DAMAGE TO 3 VEHICLES; ACCIDENT OCCURED AT 5 MPH. THE SAME FAILURE HAD OCCURED 2 WEEKS EARLIER (WITHOUT ANY DAMAGES), AND THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP "REPAIRED" THE BRAKE WHEEL SENSORS, STATING THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE THAT…
Read full complaint
BRAKES FAILED FOR 2ND TIME IN 2 WEEKS, RESULTING IN FENDER DAMAGE TO 3 VEHICLES; ACCIDENT OCCURED AT 5 MPH. THE SAME FAILURE HAD OCCURED 2 WEEKS EARLIER (WITHOUT ANY DAMAGES), AND THE LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP "REPAIRED" THE BRAKE WHEEL SENSORS, STATING THIS WAS THE CAUSE OF THE BRAKE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO EMERGENCY BRAKE HANDLE THAT COULD BE USED IN SUCH AN EMERGENCY (ONLY A BUTTON ON THE DASH).
NHTSA ODI #10000689
NHTSA investigations
2EA12002 · Vehicle Rollaway
Opened Apr 10, 2012 · Closed Jan 24, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:ignition; Electrical System:ignition:switch; Power Train:automatic Transmission
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
Additional source detail variants (4)
Electrical System
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
Electrical System:ignition
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
Electrical System:ignition:switch
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
Power Train:automatic Transmission
In a letter dated October 16, 2012, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), NHTSA Recall No. 12V-502 to NHTSA identifying a safety defect involving the possibility of unattended vehicle rollaway in MY 2005 through 2008 BMW 7-Series (approximately 45,000) vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access Option.The Comfort Access option allows the driver to start and stop the engine (by pressing the engine start / stop button) without inserting the key fob into the vehicles key slot in the instrument panel.Subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option require the key fob be inserted the key slot to start the engine.Upon removal of the key from the key slot the vehicle will automatically shift to Park if the driver has not done so using the gearshift lever.Sunject vehicles equipped with the Comfort Access option are designed such that when the vehicle is stopped with the service brakes applied and the transmission in Drive or Reverse, the driver can push the engine start/stop button one time, stopping the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In its DIR, BMW identified a condition such that if the driver depressed the start-stop button multiple times in rapid succession, the transmission could shift to Neutral instead of Park.With the transmission in neutral, depending on the slope of the road, the vehicle could rollaway if unattended.In review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and of reports submitted to BMW, ODI identified 20 reports alleging vehicle rollaway involving vehicles equipped with Comfort Access.The vehicles identified in these reports are all subject to recall 12V-502.Ten of these reports were identified as likely related to the defect described in recall 12V-502.Two of the reports are likely related to other mechanical failures.The remaining 8 allegations of vehicle rollaway could not be associated with a specific cause.There are 32 reports alleging vehicle rollaway in the subject vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option.A vehicle based safety defect trend was not identified in these reports.Subject vehicles not equipped the Comfort Access option will automatically shift to Park once the key fob is removed from the key slot.In this regard these vehicles behave similarly to those with traditional mechanical keys where the key cannot be removed from the ignition unless the vehicle is shifted to Park.The difference between these vehicles and the subject vehicles with the Comfort Access option is that in the Comfort Access equipped vehicles, the engine can be started and stopped without the key fob in the key slot.ODI reports 10429922 and 10419177 noted in the EA opening resume were determined to be vehicles not equipped with the Comfort Access option and ODI did not identify a vehicle based safety defect associated with these incidents.This investigation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID under the following identification (ODI) numbers:10185770
PE11025 · Vehicle Rollaway
Opened Aug 5, 2011 · Closed Apr 23, 2012
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Power Train:automatic Transmission
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
Power Train:automatic Transmission
In response to the Office of Defects Investigation's (ODI) Information Request (IR) for PE11-025, BMW provided ODI with 1 complaint and 46 field reports relating to either incidents of unattended vehicle rollaway or vehicle movement after the driver expected the vehicle gearshift to automatically shift to park. ODI's analysis of the data provided by BMW identified 14 crashes and 5 alleged injuries. ODI has also identified 3 additional reports in its database alleging vehicle rollaway incidents of which 2 resulted in crashes.The subject vehicles are all equipped with push-buttons (Start/Stop button) to control starting/stopping the engine and Shift-by-Wire gearshift systems controlled by a column mounted selector lever behind the steering wheel. The Start/Stop button also controls switching the ignition and the radio ready state On and Off. Shift-by-wire systems replace the traditional mechanical connection (e.g., cable or linkage) between the gearshift and automatic transmission with an electronic connection controlled by a computer module. When parking the vehicle, the driver has the capability to manually shift the vehicle to park by pressing the Park button on the end of the electronic gearshift lever. However, the instructions for engine shutoff provided in the owner's manual state that pressing the Start/Stop button serves the dual function of switching off the engine and automatically shifting the transmission to Park.In response to ODI's information request for PE11-025, BMW described several circumstances where the subject vehicles may shift to neutral when the driver may expect it to automatically shift to park. First, for Comfort Access System (CAS) vehicles, if the transmission is in neutral when the key fob is in the ignition slot and the Start/Stop button is pressed to shut-off the engine, the transmission will remain in neutral. This is referred to as the Carwash mode and is a normal operating feature of the vehicles that is described in the owner's manual. BMW also described two circumstances that are not normal operating features and are not described in the owners' manual: (1) with the transmission in drive or reverse and the engine running, if the Start/Stop button is pushed 2 or 3 times within a 0.3 second to 0.5 second interval, the engine will stop and the transmission will shift to Neutral; and 2) if the Park button on the gearshift lever is pressed at the same time that the gearshift lever is actuated (i.e., toggled up or down) to select drive, reverse or neutral; the transmission will shift to neutral or remain in neutral.Beginning in model year (MY) 2005, BMW introduced CAS as an optional feature package for the subject vehicles.The key for CAS equipped vehicles is an electronic code that is sent to the engine control module by a remote transmitter (key fob). An optional docking port (key slot) is provided for driver convenience or to put the vehicle into Car Wash mode, which allows for engine shutoff in neutral. BMW sold approximately 45,000 subject vehicles with CAS and approximately 94 percent of the CAS equipped vehicles were produced from MY 2006 through 2008. Non-CAS subject vehicles were produced from MY 2002 through 2008 and require the remote control to be in the ignition slot located next to the Start/Stop button to start the engine.The 50 incidents identified by ODI's analysis of complaints and field reports include 18 involving CAS vehicles (39.6 incidents per 100,000 vehicles) and 32 involving non-CAS vehicles (42.0 incidents per 100,000 vehicles). Because the incidents are considered random events, the failure rates were also adjusted for vehicle exposure, resulting in rat
Illustration