The affected vehicles were manufactured from Aug. 17 through Dec. 19, 2011 (check your vehicle’s build date on a sticker on the driver-side doorjamb). In these vehicles, the driveshaft housing assembly may have been poorly sealed, resulting in a lack of grease on the gear shaft that transfers power from the motor to the transmission. This could result in a sudden loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
BMW has already started notifying customers by telephone, and dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts for free. BMW has stated that all of these electric vehicles are part of a field trial leasing program and that the automaker maintains contact with the lessees during the duration of the lease; the cars are not available for retail sale. Customers can call BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s vehicle safety hotline at 888-327-4236 for more information.
News Editor Jennifer Geiger joined the automotive industry in 2003, much to the delight of her Corvette-obsessed dad. Jennifer is an expert reviewer, certified car-seat technician and mom of three. She wears a lot of hats — many of them while driving a minivan.