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BMW of North America will recall more than 30,000 diesel SUVs after discovering a potentially dangerous power steering problem.
The Westwood, New Jersey-based manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 23, 2018 they will recall 33,214 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built between March 12, 2008 and June 27, 2013.
The affected vehicles contain idler pulley bolts which helps secure the alternator to the engine block. BMW stated in the recall report “a number of unfavorable contributing factors” including low ambient temperatures, tightening torque in the lower tolerance range, and higher lateral forces from the belt drive can cause the idler pulley bolt to loosen, bend and possibly break. A broken idler pulley bolt can cause a catastrophic power steering loss, increasing crash risk.
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The vehicle’s instrumentation cluster will also warn the driver of the problem, illuminating the alternator warning lamp with the warning message “charging malfunction.”
BMW did not provide a full recall chronology as of this writing. The company states they are still developing a remedy for this defect. Owners can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to assist you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Due to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.