BMW, General Motors and Toyota Issue Recalls

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BMW is recalling 42,080 3-Series models for a potential issue with the front airbag on the passenger side. The recall affects 2002-03 3-Series convertibles, coupes, sedans and wagons, as well as M3 coupes and convertibles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the airbag “may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the airbag.” In the event of a collision, metal fragments from the inflator could strike vehicle occupants, increasing the risk of serious injury.
BMW will notify owners of affected 3-Series vehicles in May, though replacement parts aren’t expected to be available until July. When parts are available, BMW will follow up with owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag at no charge. If you think your 3-Series is affected, you can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Photo courtesy of General Motors

A faulty hybrid charging system has prompted General Motors to recall a total of 42,904 vehicles. NHTSA says that the Generator Control Module (GCM) in 2012-13 Buick LaCrosse, Regal and 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco sedans may malfunction, which “could cause a gradual loss of battery charge and the illumination of the malfunction indicator light.” If the condition is ignored, the vehicle could stall, fail to start or a fire could occur in the vehicle’s trunk.
GM will contact owners of affected vehicles, who can have the GCM tested and replaced (if necessary) by dealers at no charge. If you have questions about the recall, you can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300 and mention recall campaign number 13136.

Photo courtesy of Toyota

Auxiliary driving lights that don’t comply with government safety standards have prompted Toyota to recall 11,489 FJ Cruiser SUVs from 2007-13 model years. NHTSA says that when the driving lights are used in conjunction with the headlights, the FJ Cruiser surpasses “the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp.” As a consequence, the driving lights may cause too much glare for approaching traffic, which could increase the chance of a collision.
Toyota will start contacting FJ Cruiser owners in late May, and dealers will rectify the issue by replacing the 55-watt driving lamp bulbs with 35-watt bulbs at no charge. If you own an FJ Cruiser, you can contact Toyota directly at 1-800-331-4331