Due to a steering system problem, BMW will recall over 143,000 vehicles in China, says Frenkel & Frenkel.
BMW was dealt another blow to its position in China when it announced it must recall more than 143,000 vehicles in the country due to defective plugs in the electric power steering on some of the luxury carmaker’s 5-series cars. The cars were manufactured between 2009 and 2012 in a partnership with Brilliance China Automotive, says China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine. Electrical System Problem According to the national product safety agency in China, a seal in the electrical system may not fit properly, and that, in extreme cases, the problem could lead to corrosion and power failure. The cars are a long-wheelbase version of the BMW 5-Series, built at the Shenyang plant. Experts explained that driving along flooded roads could lead to water getting inside the plug, rusting it, which would affect the power assist in the vehicle, leading to a safety hazard. Second Blow to Luxury Carmaker The Chinese government notified BMW in late July that they would not approve a plan to expand one of the luxury carmaker’s plants based on a review by the Chinese environment ministry. According to the ministry, the plans included inadequate wastewater analysis and did not meet the anti-pollution targets set by the Chinese government. In addition, state media is criticizing BMW and other luxury carmakers for setting prices significantly higher in China than in other countries, with one news agency recommending anti-trust investigations. BMW Response BMW confirmed the recall, indicating that cable seals included in the cars did not match BMW specification. The company will replace the defective parts at no cost to owners after the recall gets underway September 23. As for the denial of the plant expansion, BMW says that the ministry requested additional information, which BMW provided, and that the decision to deny the expansion was not final. When an auto defect is suspected as the cause or contributing factor in a car accident that causes injury or death, a product liability claim may be in order. Contact Dallas-Fort Worth lawyers at Frenkel & Frenkel to schedule a free initial consultation regarding an auto accident where injuries may have been caused or worsened by defective car components.
