BMW of North America is recalling a handful of recently-built vehicles containing faulty crankshaft sensors that can cause engine stalls.
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The Westwood, New Jersey-based manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on July 11, 2018 they will recall 12 2018 BMW 540d xDrive diesel vehicles built from May 17 to June 6, 2018.
The affected vehicles were manufactured with crankshaft sensors that can’t accurately process input from the crankshaft reluctor ring. If the crankshaft sensor cannot accurately process this input, the engine can stall and increase crash risk.
BMW’s recall chronology states the company learned on May 22, 2018 of a vehicle running rough with reduced engine power. Investigators reviewed diagnostic information which pointed to a crankshaft sensor issue. BMW contacted the component supplier, AB Elektronik of Werne, Germany, who stated updated firmware in the crankshaft sensor’s semiconductor was faulty.
The supplier said the firmware error can cause a processing failure involving input from the crankshaft reluctor ring. BMW’s engineers reviewed vehicle assembly and engine production records and determined what vehicles were affected. The issue was recalled initially on June 4, 2018, as an emissions-related issue.
Further analysis began on June 13, 2018, and determined diesel engine vehicles were affected differently by the crankshaft error.
BMW decided to upgrade the recall from an emissions recall to safety recall on July 4, 2018.
BMW will notify owners and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 27, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Consumers can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.
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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. Thanks 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.
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