BMW has issued a recall alert for a long list of vehicles that may have a software defect that can cause them to lose braking assist power. If the problem develops, the cars still have braking power and are still capable of stopping safely. But they may unexpectedly require more pressure on the brake pedal than drivers usually apply and need a longer distance to stop.
Six BMWs, One Toyota
The recall affects the 2020 BMW M340i, 2020 BMW 540i, and 2020-2021 BMW 745Le sedans. It also covers the 2020 BMW X3 M40i, 2020-2021 BMW X4 M40i SUVs, and 2019-2021 BMW Z4 M40i, and 2020-2021 Toyota GR Supra coupes.
Yes, BMW has recalled a Toyota. The Supra shares most of its parts with the Z4 and is built by a BMW subcontractor, so this recall of BMW models also affects the Supra.
Easy to Trigger the Problem Unknowingly
The problem is unusual. BMW says that if drivers accidentally push the start/stop button two times in rapid succession, or tap the brake pedal quickly while depressing the start button, a glitch in the software can cause the crankshaft to briefly rotate in reverse. That “could damage the oil/vacuum pump which supplies vacuum for brake assistance.”
If the defect happens, drivers usually have full brake assist for 2-3 brake applications before it fails. That seems particularly threatening, as it means it’s likely to fail in the middle of a drive after working normally for several minutes.
Since drivers have to step on the brake pedal while pressing the start/stop button, it seems easy to trigger the error unknowingly. The problem doesn’t occur on every startup. It happens only if the driver taps the pedal too quickly while pressing the button.
A Simple Software Fix
Dealers will fix the issue by installing new software, inspecting the oil/vacuum pump, and replacing it if necessary. Toyota has issued a stop-sale order on the Supra, meaning that dealers will stop selling that car briefly until every Supra in their inventory has been repaired.
In the meantime, BMW is urging drivers to firmly press on the brake pedal when starting the car, not lift off the pedal early, and not press the button twice.
Many cars are recalled to fix safety defects, sometimes more than once. While automakers try to reach every owner to ask them to bring the vehicle in for repair, they rarely reach them all. Millions of vehicles on American roads need free recall repairs. To find out if your car is one of them, check the easy VIN tool at our recall center.
