BMW issued a recall that affects an astonishing number of vehicles, over one million. Receiving a recall notification is never a good time. So, be sure to check if your vehicle is affected. If it is, be sure to get it to a dealership as soon as possible.

What BMW cars are being recalled?

Bloomberg states that the affected BMW models are from model years 2006 to 2013. In the U.S., the recall affects over 917,000 vehicles. When including vehicles affected by this issue in Canada and South Korea, the total of affected vehicles tops out over one million.

The original recall dates back to October 2017, according to the NHTSA. The initial recall verbiage states that an electrical short may cause parts within the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system to melt. Ultimately, this leads to a potential fire risk. The original recall states that the vehicle could catch fire even when the vehicle is not in use. Furthermore, the number of cars affected in the 2017 recall was 740,000. Evidently, this recall was not sufficient in solving the issue. BMW received several reports of overheating vehicles starting in 2019.

BMW issued the new recall on March 2nd, 2022. The phrasing is similar, stating that an electrical short can cause the failure of the PCV valve. However, it adds that the potential for a fire is either while driving or shortly after driving. Furthermore, the recall information states that 917,106 vehicles are affected by this recall in the US.

Models included are the 2008 through 2013 BMW 1 Series, 2006 through 2013 BMW 3 Series, 2006 through 2010 BMW 5 series, 2007 through 2010 BMW X5, and 2006 through 2011 BMW Z4 models. If you own any of these models, be sure to check your VIN with the NHTSA to see if your vehicle is affected by the recall.

According to the recall information, BMW is still working on a solution for this problem. Letters informing vehicle owners of this recall are expected to be sent by April 25th, 2022.

This is one of BMW’s biggest recalls in history

A recall affecting over one million vehicles is certainly no small task to handle. However, this isn’t the first time BMW has had to deal with a massive recall number.

BMW was one of many manufacturers affected by the Takata airbag recall. Faulty airbag inflators manufactured by the company ran the risk of exploding and causing severe injury or death. Multiple deaths were reported as a result of the Takata airbags throughout the seemingly endless amount of vehicle manufacturers that used them. According to CBS News, BMW’s total number of vehicles affected by the Takata recall was over 1.4 million.

Ultimately, while this electrical short recall is nothing to be taken lightly, it could be much worse. Obviously, the risk of a fire is not something vehicle owners should dismiss. However, in the world of dangerous recalls, this sits relatively low compared to faulty airbags or brakes.

Owners of BMW models within the above-mentioned date range should avoid using their car until BMW has a solution if they can. If owners absolutely must drive them, they should be sure to keep an eye on the temperature gauge and immediately pull over if they see or smell anything suspicious.