The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has notified consumers of a product safety recall affecting nearly 11,000 BMW vehicles sold in South Africa.
BMW South Africa informed the NCC that it has issued a recall for several models, including the 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, and 7 Series sedans, and the X3 and X4 SUVs, over a concern with the Pinion Starter.
All of the affected models were sold in South Africa from 2016 onwards.
The carmaker explained that, due to production-related factors, the affected vehicles may experience increased wear of the solenoid switch after a high number of start operations. As a result, the engine’s starting capability deteriorates.
“Under certain circumstances, the engine may no longer be able to start. In addition, a short circuit in the solenoid switch cannot be ruled out, which may lead to local overheating at the starter,” said BMW.
“In such cases, smoke may be visible or noticeable while driving or when leaving the vehicle. BMW therefore recommends that the vehicle should not be left unattended after the engine has been started.”
The NCC stated that motorists who own the affected vehicles should refrain from using the Remote Engine Start function using either the My BMW App or the remote-control key until the repair has been completed.
All owners are urged to immediately take their vehicle to the nearest authorised BMW dealership to arrange for an inspection and repair.
The necessary repairs will be completed at no cost to the consumer.
Motorists can check if their vehicle is affected by this recall by visiting the following link: https://www.bmw.co.za/en/service-portal/bmw-technical-campaigns.html
Further queries can be directed to the NCC at [email protected].
Another vehicle recall in South Africa
More than 50,000 vehicles have already been recalled in South Africa this year.
This new BMW recall follows one issued by Jaguar Land Rover last week, affecting most of the brand’s vehicles sold in the last two years:
- Jaguar F-Pace – March 2024 to January 2025
- Land Rover Defender – March 2024 to April 2026
- Land Rover Discovery – March 2024 to April 2026
- Range Rover – March 2024 to June 2024
- Range Rover Sport – March 2024 to June 2024
- Range Rover Velar – March 2024 to April 2026
“According to the supplier, a concern has been identified on certain AJ20-D6 engines where the Front-End Auxiliary Drive belt idler pulley may over-rotate following a high-torsion input,” said the NCC.
“This may cause the pulley to clash and damage the engine oil pressure and temperature sensor. A damaged oil pressure and temperature sensor may result in an engine oil leak, creating a potential slip hazard for other road users, particularly riders of two-wheeled vehicles.”
Other brands that have issued recalls this year include Ford, Jeep, VW, Hyundai, Toyota, Lexus, Hino, MG, Renault, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz.
The Automobile Association of South Africa has declared the spate of recalls a “road safety failure.”
“The scale of these recalls reveals a systemic failure and weakness in vehicle pre-market quality assurance, manufacturing oversight and regulatory verification,” it said.
“Although vehicle recalls currently serve an essential role in addressing latent safety defects, they are inherently reactive in their nature and therefore inadequate as a safeguard.”
The association argued that the vehicle recall system has proven that most notices arrive too late, and that defective vehicles are already in circulation, driven by unsuspecting owners.
“The shortcomings of the recall model are further compounded by the absence of an independent automotive testing authority in the country to assess or test vehicle safety before market release,” the AA said.
“Without such a body, the system depends heavily on OEMs to identify, investigate and disclose faults.”
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