Exterior lighting: tail lightsRecall 13V-407 · BMW vehicles
BMW of North America, LLC recall 13V-407 covers 134,100 BMW vehicles for a exterior lighting: tail lights problem, reported to NHTSA on September 11, 2013. The manufacturer's latest report (2015 Q1) shows 75% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 13V407000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
BMW is recalling certain model year 2008 through 2010 528i, 535i, 550i, and M5 passenger cars manufactured from March 1, 2007, through December 31, 2009. Over time, increased resistance at the taillight electrical contact points may cause damage to the ground terminal and housing of the connector resulting in an intermittent or permanent loss of functionality of one or more rear lamp functions (tail, brake, turn-signal, reverse).
The risk
Intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear lamp bulb carriers free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.