BMW is in the process of notifying owners of the new 2014 X5 SUV’s built between December 2013 and March 2014 of a recall due to faulty child safety locks. According to BMW, the child safety locks can deactivate without warning on vehicles with the automatic soft closing option. The recall affects 6400 vehicles.
According to a bulletin issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the lock mechanism on the rear doors “may not have been manufactured to correct tolerances,” meaning the safety locks could disengage with a simple pull of the door handle. Basically, with a pair of tugs, the rear doors could be opened from the inside, regardless of child safety locks.
Here is the actual press release issued by the national Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 X5 SAV vehicles manufactured December 12, 2013, through March 10, 2014, and equipped with the Soft Close Automatic (SCA) option. The rear side door lock mechanisms may not have been manufactured to correct tolerances and when the inside door handle is pulled, the previously engaged child safety lock can disengage.
CONSEQUENCE:
A disengaged child safety lock would allow the rear seat occupant to pull the door handle twice and open the door while the vehicle is parked or in motion, increasing the risk of injury.
REMEDY:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rear side door locks and any affected door locks will be replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in May 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NOTES:
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.
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