May 27 (UPI) — BMW is recalling 45,484 older-model 7-Series cars in the United States because the doors could open unexpectedly while being driven, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said.
The German company’s recall covers cars from 2005-08 with a door latching system equipped with comfort access and soft door close options, the NHTSA said in a notice. They include models 745i, 745Li, 750i, 750Li, 760i, 760Li and B7 Alpina cars.
“In these vehicles, the door can appear to be closed, although it has stopped in a position where the main detent is not fully engaged,” the NHTSA said. “Thus an external influence [force] such as an irregular road surface, or an inadvertent interior contact by a vehicle occupant with the door, could result in an unexpected opening of the door while driving.”
On March 8, NHTSA contacted BMW after receiving complaints from consumers.
The complaints involve two issues: where the door cannot close before driving off, and another where the door could open unexpectedly while driving.
After a review, the BMW “problem solution team came to the conclusion that it could be possible for a door to unexpectedly open while driving in the case where a hardware component [one of various sensors] of the latch or door handle could fail.”
The documents didn’t say if the problem had caused any crashes or injuries.
BMW is currently determining a remedy. Owners with questions can contact BMW at 800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
The company noted to NHTSA that the issue is related to the 2012 recall of 7,485 model years 2005-07 7-Series vehicles.
