BMW: Multiple Car Models Face Recalls for Loose Bolts in Steering Gear Assemblies

Dec 06, 2023 08:38 PM EST

A PARKED WHITE BMW — (Photo : PIXABAY/ahlop1988)

BMW is currently facing a safety recall situation involving various car models due to an issue stemming from a supplier based in South Carolina. The particular problem revolves around loose bolts found within the steering gear assemblies.

Safety Alert: Steering Gear Assemblies

BMW is faced with a safety issue about certain car models. When these bolts fail to secure the servo unit to the housing rack adequately, it can result in noticeable irregular vibrations or unusual noises for the driver. A comprehensive report highlights seven different part numbers related to this concern, and BMW officially became aware of this issue on October 17, 2023.

The genesis of this predicament traces back to a recently manufactured 330i, which exhibited unexpected noises during a routine test drive. Autoevolution provided details about this latest challenge that BMW faces.

Unsurprisingly, BMW promptly identified the problem: improperly seated steering gear bolts. After discovering this, the automaker immediately contacted JTEKT and implemented containment measures. Subsequently, they issued a stop-ship order to prevent further affected vehicles from reaching consumers.

Owners of these BMW vehicles will receive notifications about the supplier's error starting on January 8 of the upcoming year. The 2 Series Coupe, 3 Series, X3, and sleeker X4 have been ordered to have their steering gear replaced by dealerships. Importantly, all these vehicles were manufactured for the 2024 model year.

Carcomplaints.com reported that BMW VANOS bolt recall included nearly 177,000 vehicles. Due to the presence of loose or damaged bolts, BMW has initiated a recall encompassing older vehicles in the United States and Canada. BMW has cited concerns that the presence of loose or fractured VANOS bolts within these vehicles can potentially lead to engine stalling.

The affected vehicles include those from the model years 2010 to 2012, such as BMW 1 Series Coupe and Convertible, the BMW 3 Series Sedan and Convertible. The list also included the BMW 3 Series Sportswagon and Coupe, the BMW 5 Series Sedan.

Owners of the BMW X3 xDrive 28i and 30i, the BMW X5 xDrive30i, and the BMW Z4 sDrive30i must also take extra cautions. In particular, these four aluminum VANOS bolts secure the variable camshaft timing adjustment unit housing.

BMW's Action

BMW dealerships will soon replace the crucial VANOS bolts, with notifications to vehicle owners scheduled for December 12, 2023, addressing the safety concerns related to these loose bolts. BMW has been actively monitoring the situation, noting an increasing number of affected vehicles displaying stalling symptoms. After evaluating consumer complaints and warranty claims, they found many October stalling events.

Importantly, BMW has not received any reports of accidents or injuries attributed to the loose VANOS bolts. The next phase includes sending second letters to owners when replacement bolts become available. Some of the affected vehicles had undergone recalls in the past, while BMW models equipped with in-line 6-cylinder engines enjoyed extended warranty coverage for ten years and unlimited mileage.

In April 2023, BMW initiated an engineering investigation, although it proved challenging to definitively identify vehicles experiencing no-start conditions, engine emergency-mode conditions, or stalling.