BMW is recalling nearly 1 million vehicles, most for the third time, over the risk of engine fires, the company said Wednesday.
The recall covers many of the 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3 and Z4 vehicles from the 2006 through 2013 model years.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there could be an electrical short in the positive crankcase ventilation valve heater that can overheat and cause a fire.
According to the agency, the fire risk occurs while the vehicles are being driven or soon after they are parked.
BMW says in documents that if a driver smells smoke or burning plastic or sees smoke from the engine compartment, they should pull to a safe location, shut off the engine and leave the vehicle, the Associated Press reported.
The German automaker is still developing a fix. Jay Hanson, a BMW spokesman in the U.S., said in an e-mail that the remedy and a sufficient parts inventory are expected in mid-2022, according to the AP.
Owners will be notified by letter starting April 25.
BMW says in documents that it has eight reports of fires, but no reports of any crashes or injuries caused by the problem.
Owners can go here and key in their 17-digit vehicle identification number to see if their autos are affected.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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