BMW Recalls 100K Vehicles in Canada, 1M Worldwide Due to Fire Risk

BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3 and Z4 Recall Overview:

• Who: BMW is recalling 98,000 vehicles in Canada, many for the third time.
• Why: The recall stems from fears a faulty heater in the positive crankcase ventilation system could cause engine fires.
• Where: The recall is effective across Canada.

BMW is recalling 98,000 vehicles in Canada, many for the third time, over fears a faulty heater could cause engine fires, according to The Car Guide.

The recall is part of a worldwide recall of more than 1 million BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3 and Z4 vehicles, model years 2006 through 2013, because the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Approximately 917,000 of the affected vehicles are in the U.S., 98,000 are in Canada and 18,000 are in South Korea, a spokesman for the German automaker said.

The U.S. National Highway Transport Safety Agency (NHSTA) posted a recall notice due to the issue last week, saying, “an electrical short can cause the PCV valve to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving, or soon after driving when parked.”

BMW Drivers May Notice Smoke, Plastic Burning Odor

According to the company, the valve heater in the PCV system could have defects and “may not have been produced by the supplier to specifications,” which could, over time, lead to overheating.

The recall notice says that drivers could get a warning of the issue through the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp. It adds that smoke may be noticeable from the area near the engine compartment and a plastic burning odor may also be noticeable.

The recall expands on two previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273, for the same issue, which remained unresolved. The company says the fix for the problem is currently being developed.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Apr. 25, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Last year, BMW reached a $1.3 million class action settlement with Canadian consumers who sued for the same issue. In the class action lawsuit against BMW Canada, plaintiffs allege the company didn’t do enough to disclose a fire risk present in certain BMW models. The plaintiffs additionally claim certain vehicles were falsely advertised as safe.

Consumers were eligible to claim a $40 credit, either $177 or $141 to cover the costs of replacement parts, and up to $750 to cover out-of-pocket expenses associated with an adverse thermal event thanks to the settlement. BMW Canada denied any and all wrongdoing and liability. 

Do you own a BMW? Let us know if you’ve experienced any issues in the comments section below!

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