Safety Regulators Investigate Possible BMW Roll-Away Issue

Posted on August 10, 2011

Federal safety regulators are looking into a possible issue with 120,000 BMW 7-Series sedans involving the cars not shifting into park then rolling away, report news sources.

A preliminary investigation of 2002 through 2008 model year cars was opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after the agency received a report of a 2006 model rolling away after the driver had parked and exited the car. BMW submitted reports of roll-away incidents for similarly equipped cars to the NHTSA. A BMW spokesperson said the automaker is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries in connection to the issue.

The car that was the subject of the complaint reported to the NHTSA was equipped with an electronic transmission shifter with a steering wheel-mounted gear selector and BMW’s electronic ignition and access system. When working properly, the shifter is supposed to automatically shift the vehicle to park when the vehicle’s engine is turned off. As yet no cause has been identified for the roll-away incidents, said the NHTSA.

If during the preliminary investigation it is determined that the issue is a safety hazard, the next step may be a recall of the affected vehicles in order for BMW to address the issue.

I hope that no one has been injured as a result of this issue. As a Fresno personal injury attorney, I will be interested to learn the NHTSA’s findings on the issue.

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