May 2018 DVSA recall round-up: BMW recalls 312,000 cars over stalling risk

BMW is recalling 312,000 cars following an investigation by the BBC's Watchdog Live programme. The show discovered that models including the 1 Series, 3 Series, Z4 and X1 with petrol and diesel engines are at risk of stalling because of an electrical issue.

>>>What is a safety recall on a car? And how should you deal with it?

Although the recall is a voluntary move by BMW, it follows a fatal crash when a Ford Fiesta hit a stranded 3 Series on Christmas Day in 2016. The driver of the Fiesta, 66-year-old Narayan Guyung, was killed after swerving to avoid the BMW 3 Series which was abandoned at the side of the road without any lights.

The recall affects models built between March 2007 and August 2011. BMW says owners will be contacted, but concerned customers can contact their hotline on 0800 083 4397.

Other recalls within the past few weeks include hundreds of Hyundai Santa Fe models recalled over fears the steering wheel may detach itself during driving.

The recall affects 304 Santa Fes built between June 2017 and January 2018. According to the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency, the outer rim of the steering wheel is in danger of breaking away from the boss when turned from lock to lock. This will leave the car unable to be driven.

>>>Audi recalls 60,000 diesels over “irregularities” in engine software

Mazda has issued a recall for nearly 5000 of its cars built between 2015 and 2017 after a fault emerged which could cause the engine to fail.

This affects the 1.5-litre Skyactiv-D diesel engine fitted to the Mazda 2, 3 and CX-3 and is caused by the engine protection logic not working, says the DVSA. When the engine speed reaches maximum, with no engine load present, the software is unable to cut the engine. This could, in extreme cases, cause catastrophic engine failure.

More than 5000 Audi A4 and A5 Sportback models built between October 2014 and October 2017 are being recalled over a piece of aluminium interior trim which could detach from the front or rear doors, risking injury to passengers.

Audi will replace four aluminium strips on the loud speakers fitted to all affected cars as part of the recall.