Auto recall
January 17, 2012
German carmakers Volkswagen and BMW have recalled more than a half a million cars worldwide due to problems with water pumps and diesel fuel lines.
BMW said Monday the recall affected 235,000 Minis built between March 2006 and January 2011. A fault in the electric water pump that cools the turbo charger could lead to overheating and cause a fire.
Meanwhile VW said on Monday that the youngest generation of diesel engines would be recalled - affecting some 300,000 cars worldwide. A flaw in the diesel fuel injector rail meant vibrations could sometimes cause fissures in the engines. The subsidiaries Audi, Skoda and Seat were also hit by the recall.
Both VW and BMW said they would contact owners of the recalled automobiles and replace the faulty parts free of charge.
According to the German auto regulator KBA, there were 185 instances of recall in 2010, affecting some 1.2 million cars.
Author: Andrew Bowen (AFP, dapd, dpa)
Editor: Nancy Isenson