Many crashes occur because drivers are negligent. But negligence may occur due to a series of different root factors, and drivers who are not aware of the issues associated with driving a recalled vehicle should pay attention.
That’s why we often report on recall campaigns associated with vehicles that are popular and commonly used by drivers across Washington state.
The latest two auto recall campaigns to be announced by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration impact BMW and Chrysler vehicles.
The first report comes from BMW of North America. According to the NHTSA, the company is recalling the 2007 through 2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, the 2008 through 2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, the 2011 and 2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive, as well as the 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles.
These units have been fitted with in-tank fuel pumps that may have been fitted with insufficiently crimped wire contacts. If that’s the case, the loose wires may cause the connectors to melt, and a fuel leak may ensue. If that’s the case and the pump stops working, the engine may stall unexpectedly, and a crash may occur as a result.
BMW will begin contacting impacted vehicle owners after December 5.
The second recall announcement consumers should not ignore comes from Chrysler and it impacts both Dodge and Ram vehicles.
According to the NHTSA, the 2011 through 2014 Dodge Charger Police vehicles as well as the 2007 through 2013 Ram 3500 Cab Chassis, the 2008 through 2014 Ram 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, and the 2013 Ram 2500 and 3500 vehicles fitted with 220 amp alternators may suddenly fail while in use.
If at occurs and the vehicle stalls without warning, a crash may occur.
Consumers with the recalled vehicles will be contacted in November. If you have one of the recalled vehicles and you’re not contacted until then, reach out to Chrysler promptly for more details on how to have the issue addressed.
