BMW is recalling 1.3 million 5- and 6-Series models due to a potential electrical problem.
Even the most minor problems can trigger a major recall, as BMW has discovered.
The maker says it will have to make repairs to as many as 1.3 million vehicles in a worldwide recall of 5- and 6-Series models. The problem centers around an improperly installed battery cable cover that could lead to a short circuit or even a vehicle fire.
“In some remote cases, the battery cable cover inside the boot of these vehicles may be incorrectly mounted,” said a statement from BMW, which uses the popular European term for trunk.
In the U.S., the recall will impact 368,000 vehicles produced between 2003 and 2010, BMW noted. Dealers will be asked to inspect the vehicles to see if they need repairs. The maker said that only about 1% of the 5- and 6-Series models it has inspected so far exhibit the problem.
However, the maker stresses that customers shouldn’t ignore the recall. If the cover was incorrectly mounted, it “can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire,” BMW’s statement noted.
The maker will notify customers in the U.S. and other markets in the coming weeks. Repairs will be made for free, BMW said, and should take between 30 minutes and an hour.
The Bavarian maker has already notified U.S. safety regulators. BMW says it has so far had no reports of fires actually caused by the battery cable cover problem.