BMW recalling 720K vehicles over short circuit concerns

BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles over short circuit concerns, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said on Tuesday.

The agency said that X1, X3, X5 and other models are included in the recall revolving around an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump, that when exposed to water, could short circuit.

“Blowby-liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system may collect on the intake air hose. If this occurs, then this liquid could drip onto the plug connector,’ the agency said. “Over time, this could lead to fluid ingress into the plug and the possibility of a short circuit.”

In rare cases, a fire could occur, according to NHTSA.

The agency said that the German manufacturer was aware of approximately 18 customer complaints, concerns, and/or field instances, in the U.S. market.

Both plug connectors and water pumps will be examined and swapped if needed. A shield will be installed to “divert any fluid that might drop down onto the pump from the positive crankcase ventilation system’s intake air house.”

BMW owners are to be notified regarding the recall in early October. The owners will directed to take their vehicles to an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed for free of charge.

BMW had to recall over 1.3 million vehicles in China last week that might have Takata airbag inflators. A similar recall occurred in the U.S. last month.

Earlier in August, the German automaker had to recall over 100,000 vehicles over a motor defect that could result in overheating or, in rare instances, cause a fire.

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