BMW Recalls More Than 1M Cars Due to Fire Risk

BMW is recalling more than one million cars and SUVs in two US recalls due to the risk of fires under the hood, and it's recommending that they be parked outdoors until repairs are made, the AP reports. A spokesman for the German automaker says the risk of fire is very low in both cases, but the vehicles should stay outside "in an abundance of caution." In both recalls, repairs are expected to start on Dec. 18. Documents posted Friday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that a heater for the positive crankcase ventilation valve can overheat and cause the valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire even when the vehicle is not in use. No injuries have been reported. Dealers will replace the heater.

The other recall covers nearly 673,000 cars. Wiring for the heating and air conditioning system can overheat and cause connectors to melt, also increasing the fire risk, even when vehicles are unattended. Four drivers reported injuries. BMW says a wiring connection can corrode and in rare cases cause fires. Dealers will replace the wiring and connectors. The US recalls total about 1.4 million vehicles, but some are included in both, BMW said. About 80,000 vehicles also are being recalled in Canada for the crankcase ventilation valve heater, BMW said. The company is reviewing whether the wiring recall will apply to Canadian vehicles.

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