The letters B-M-W are often associated with the “luxury and performance vehicles” characterized by the German manufacturer’s website. However, as of March 26, 2012 they are associated with the word “recall.”
BMW made the decision to issue a recall of 1.3 million cars worldwide on March 16 and publicly announced it on the March 26 in Germany. In the U.S., this recall affects nearly 368,000 cars, according to BMW.
“That’s a huge number for the luxury car company, almost as many cars as it sold in 2011,” according to Micheline Maynard of Forbes.com.
The battery cable cover in the trunk of the 5- and 6-series models manufactured between 2003 and 2010 might be incorrectly mounted. If the cable connector loosens, the electrical system of the car could overheat and catch fire.
Investigation of this issue began April 2011 after a number of unspecified incidents arose in Germany, Sweden and the U.S. On March 12, tests identified that the problem was due to the connector that attaches two battery cables in the trunk of the car.
BMW knows of only one fire in the U.S. related to a loose battery cable, but no injuries have been reported from the problem, according to spokesman, David Buchko. The company later said that less than one percent of the 1.3 million cars have actually encountered the problem. Officials advised that cars be kept outside as a precaution.
According to company officials, this is the largest recall ever for BMW, whose recall work will begin in April. Though owners will receive free repairs, many are turned off by the company’s recall.
“My parents own (a BMW) and I think they, just like any other customer, trust that BMW is a company that makes quality cars,” said Marisa Flores, a sophomore Government and Politics major. “BMW definitely lost some of their trust after this recall though.”