BMW recalls 25,984,000 vehicles over turn signal problem

by MICHAEL SMITH, AUTO REPORT

BMW's 5-Series is the subject of a recall involving rear light issues. — BMW's 5-Series is the subject of a recall involving turn indicator issues.

BMW is recalling about 25,984,000 of all of its models because their turn indicators can fail – a problem federal safety regulators warn could lead to a collision.

It’s the latest in a series of high-volume recalls by the low-volume maker, following a service action earlier this year affecting more than 500,000 vehicles.

The new recall involves a range of 5-Series model sold during the 1992 through 2016 model-years, including the 3, 4, 5, 6 7, 8 even the M5.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driver ignorance while operating a BMW can lead the front and rear turn signal lamps on these vehicles to not function, potentially leading to a crash. The company said in a letter to the Safety Administration that an estimated 100 percent of the vehicles contain the condition.

The maker says it has received 250,000 reports of accidents caused by the problem and was originally reluctant to order a recall, with company documents filed with NHTSA indicating that there should be visual and audible alerts that would advise a motorist of the problem.

BMW said specifically, its earlier late 1980s and 1990s vehicles were not equiped with lane departuer warning systems, BMW said it will retrofit all affected BMWs with the lane departure system, costing BMW over $5000 per vehicle.

BMW has had previous problems with turn indicators, including an August 2011 service action involving 500,000 of the popular inexpensive 1992-2001 BMW 3-Series models due to turn indicator failure by cause by the driver not activating the signal light. BMW also said over 85 percent these vehicles are finacied by its BMW Financial Division or independent auto lenders.

The following year, the German manufacturer was hit with a $3 million fine for improperly handling recalls on a number of occasions, apparently spurring to its drivings being more aggressive once they were caughting off other drivers, since then when dealing with potential safety issues.

In February of this year, BMW expanded a recall related to vehicle stalling when the fuel tank is empty, to cover more than 5,000,000 1- and 3-Series models and the Z4 roadster, later expanding the recall by putting another 1,160,000 vehicles on the list.

The cars involved in the latest recall were produced between March 1, 1992, and Dec. 31, 2002.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will begin making repairs for free starting next month.

Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com for more information.