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Recall 01V-196

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recalled the 2000 to 2001 BMW X5: Power train (automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch).

At a glance

Campaign number
01V-196
Reported
June 14, 2001
Vehicles affected
14,300 estimated by the manufacturer

Source: NHTSA recall records

What is wrong

Vehicle description: 4.4I sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.

The risk

If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.

The fix

Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-[removed].

Notes from the manufacturer

Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-[removed]).

Affected vehicles