BMW has issued a voluntary safety recall for nearly 5,000 2024 i5 electric vehicles due to a software issue that may affect the car’s external artificial sound generation system. This system, mandated by regulations, helps alert pedestrians to the presence of the near-silent electric car.
The affected vehicles, produced between June 26 and December 14, 2023, may experience sporadic malfunctions in the control unit software responsible for generating the required artificial sound. This could potentially leave pedestrians unaware of the approaching car, increasing the risk of injury.
BMW hasn’t received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue, but the company initiated the recall as a precautionary measure. Potentially affected vehicles will be programmed with updated software free of charge at authorized BMW dealerships.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Model years affected: 2024 BMW i5 eDrive40 and i5 M60
- Number of vehicles involved: Approximately 4,926
- Production dates: June 26, 2023 – December 14, 2023
- Safety risk: Increased risk of injury to pedestrians due to potentially silent vehicle approach
- Remedy: Free software update at authorized BMW dealerships
If you own a 2024 BMW i5, you can expect to receive a notification letter from the company in February 2024. You can also check your vehicle’s VIN on the NHTSA website to see if it’s part of the recall.
This recall highlights the importance of staying informed about potential safety issues with your vehicle. By taking proactive measures, such as scheduling repairs and software updates, you can help keep yourself and others safe on the road.