Dallas law firm Frenkel & Frenkel says that BMW is recalling 176,000 vehicles due to power brake problems.
BMW announced recently that it was recalling 176,000 vehicles due to problems with the power brake system in those vehicles. Model years 2012 through 2014 are affected by the recall, and more than 70,000 of the cars were sold in the United States. Loss of Power Braking Assist According to BMW, an interruption in the oil supply from the intake camshaft to the brake vacuum pump becomes restricted, and the vacuum pump fails due to lack of lubrication. This leads to the loss of power braking assist. Although the brakes will work, the driver would have to press harder on the pedal, increasing the distance required for the vehicle to stop safely. This could lead to accidents that may cause injury or even death. Models Affected The recall affects the sedans, compacts, SUVs, and sports cars in the BMW line, all of which have four-cylinder, 2-liter gasoline engines. Model numbers affected include:
- Compacts – 125i
- Sedans – 320i, 328i, 520i, 528i
- SUVs – X1 28i, 20i , 16i, X3 20i, 28i
- Sports cars – 20i and 18i
Owners of vehicles affected in the recall will be notified by BMW through the mail, but there was no information on when that notification would be sent. BMW said that owners who lose brake-power assist should immediately pull over and call for roadside assistance. Other experts recommend applying the emergency brake and using as much pressure as necessary to bring the vehicle to a stop. If the vehicle has an electronic parking brake, pull up and hold the switch to engage the brake. Accidents Reported Three minor accidents have been reported due to the power brake assist failure, although no injuries have been reported at this time. There have been a total of seven incidences reported to the NTSB. Vehicles reported to have this failure have lost the power brake assist at low mileage, and at this time it is not known if the problem occurs at high mileage. When an auto defect is suspected as the cause or a contributing factor in a car accident that causes injury or death, a product liability claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an auto accident where injuries may have been caused or worsened by defective car components.
