BMW 1-Series ActiveE and several 2012 Z4 models recalled over potential electric steering failure

July 12, 2012July 12, 2012 Omar Rana 2012 BMW Z4, BMW 1-Series ActiveE, BMW Z4, electric-cars, Luxury, Plug-in Electric Cars, Recalls, Sports Cars

Traditional German car enthusiasts will chuckle and dismiss this piece of news as sort of, typical. And that’s because German cars can be a hit or miss when it comes to the reliability of their complex electronics. So in this day and age of safety before everything else, it shouldn’t exactly be a surprise that BMW and the National Highway Traffic Safety are issuing a recall for the 1-Series ActiveE, a first for the limited production, experimental all-electric BMW.

Though, the issue isn’t just with the 1-Series ActiveE as several model year 2012 Z4s that are equipped with the same system are also being recalled as well. Altogether, about 162 units were said to be affected.

The recall surrounds the car’s electrically controlled power steering system, which may unexpectedly fail. The issue of course will be addressed for each customer free of charge while BMW should be notifying owners very shortly by snailmail.

Check out the full press release for details after the jump.

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
BMW / ACTIVEE 2011
BMW / Z4 2012
Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 28, 2012

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V302000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 162

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES. VARIATIONS IN ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, LEADING TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.

Consequence:
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING JULY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

– By: Chris Chin