Component
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Manufacturer
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
What Happened
The transmission switch in your vehicle is an electrical component that helps keep you safe by preventing the transmission from moving unless you're in the correct gear. Over time, tiny particles can build up and disrupt its function, which is a problem that can happen to your 4.4i Sport Utility Vehicle.
Risk if Unfixed
If the switch fails, you could lose control of your vehicle's speed and acceleration in traffic, which could cause a serious accident. You might struggle to maintain your speed or accelerate when you need to, making it harder to avoid a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty switch with a new one at no charge. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice so you can drive with confidence again.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: 4.4I SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES. OVER AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, ABRASION PARTICLES COULD DEPOSIT ON THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS WITHIN THE SWITCH, CAUSING A DISRUPTION OF THE ELECTRIC CURRENT THROUGH THE CONTACTS. IF THE DISRUPTION OCCURS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY WITH THE TRANSMISSION IN THE NEUTRAL OR PARK POSITIONS, THE TRANSMISSION WILL SWITCH AUTOMATICALLY INTO THE EMERGENCY PROGRAM, WHICH IS DISPLAYED IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER VIA A WARNING LAMP AND A MESSAGE, "TRANS. FAIL-SAFE PROG." IN THIS CASE, THE VEHICLE CAN BE DRIVEN IN LOWER GEARS ONLY WITH LIMITED ENGINE OUTPUT.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THIS PROBLEM OCCURS, THE ABILITY TO MAINTAIN SPEED IN TRAFFIC AND/OR ACCELERATE COULD BE GREATLY DIMINISHED, POSSIBLY LEADING TO A CRASH.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION GEAR POSITION INDICATOR SWITCH. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN AUGUST 14, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →