Recall Alert: 50,000 BMW Vehicles Face Braking Defect

Lisa Steuer McArdle
· 3 min read
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Over 50,000 SUVs and cars have been
recalled
by BMW due to an engine management software defect that may cause the brake assist to fail in particular conditions.
The issue affects 2019 to 2021 model years, as well as a 2020-2021 Toyota Supra, which is similar to the BMW Z4 roadster. Read on to learn more about the recall.
Over 50,000 SUVs and cars have been recalled by BMW due to an engine management software defect.

The issue affecting more than 50,000 BMW SUVs and cars

If you own a BMW vehicle affected by the recall and you find yourself without braking assist while on the road, understand that stopping distances will be longer. Also, in such situations, pressing harder on the pedal to stop the automobile is advisable.
Additionally, BMW says that the affected auto's engine management software can damage the oil/vacuum pump supplying the vacuum that enables the brake assist function in certain starting conditions. The following conditions can impact the system:
  • Depressing the brake pedal briefly while pressing the engine start/stop button.
  • Pressing the engine start/stop button two times in rapid succession will also affect the brake assist system.
Although both situations can eventually lead to the loss of brake assist, BMW indicates that the full brake assist function remains available for about six partial brake applications or about two to three full brake applications.
Fortunately, the automaker has said it’s not aware of any crashes relating to the brake assist system failure.
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Models affected by BMW's latest recall

In early 2021, there was an increase in warranty claims for BMW autos—which when BMW's brake assist problem became apparent. BMW conducted an internal engineering review of these claims between February and April 2021.
Affected BMW cars include:
  • 2020 BMW 540i, 540i xDrive
  • 2019-2021 BMW Z4 M40i
  • 2020-2021 BMW 745Le xDrive
  • 2020-2021 BMW X4 M40i
  • 2020 BMW M340i, M340i xDrive
  • 2020 BMW X3 M40i

When can one expect the notification for recall?

MORE: Recall Alert: Almost 50,000 Nissan Rogues Could Be Dangerous for Child Seats
First, note that brake assist system failure increases the risk of a crash, which is why the issue is quite dangerous. On its part, BMW will notify owners of all affected vehicles by mail.
According to
Consumer Reports
, owners of these automobiles should have gotten a notification from the automaker on Oct. 1, 2021. Toyota Supra owners can contact Toyota customer service at 800-331-4331.
Any owner who wishes to contact BMW customer service regarding the braking assist problem can reach the office at 800-525-7417. The service information number is B12 06 21.
The other option is visiting the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website
to check whether your vehicle has an open recall.
In fact, you should regularly check the website since vehicle manufacturers issue recalls from time to time. It can happen to older automobiles as well.
Any vehicle repairs after a recall are usually free of charge.

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