FYI: BMW faces a massive recall due to a single missing word on 589,272 vehicle stickers spanning 15 years.
One Simple Omission Leads to a Major Recall for BMW
We’ve all been there: forgetting to say a word in a conversation, an email, or even on an important document. However, BMW’s recent oversight might just be one of the largest of its kind. A minor error—omitting the word "none" on a crucial sticker—has led to a recall of nearly 600,000 vehicles produced since 2009.
Affected Vehicles: An Expansive List
BMW’s error is not confined to just a few models. The oversight has impacted a wide range of vehicles, from the 1 Series to the 8 Series and every X model from X1 to X7. It also affects all i-Series vehicles and even extends to Mini models such as the Clubman, Coupe, and Paceman. Rolls Royce vehicles, including the Dawn, Ghost, Phantom, and Spectre, are also on the list. In an added twist, Toyota’s GR Supras, which are built by BMW, are similarly affected.
The Root Cause: Strict Canadian Language Laws
The core issue stems from Canada’s stringent language laws. Canada requires vehicle labels—particularly those related to tire and loading information—to be in both French and English. These labels provide essential details about tire size, load capacity, and correct tire pressure. The problem arose when BMW’s team responsible for these labels failed to complete the section regarding the spare tire.
Specifics of the Error
According to Canadian rules, the sticker should read “None/Aucun” in the section about the spare tire. Instead, the stickers only featured the word "none" in English, which lacks the necessary French translation. While this might seem like a trivial mistake to some, in the context of Canadian regulations, it’s considered quite serious.
Quick Resolution: Minimal Impact for BMW
Fortunately for BMW, Transport Canada, the government body responsible for these regulations, categorized this as a "minor" problem. This means BMW is not required to print 600,000 new stickers or recall all the affected vehicles to replace them. Instead, BMW will likely address this issue in future production, avoiding significant logistical and financial strain.
Past Recalls Due to Translation Errors
This situation with BMW is not an isolated case. Tesla, for example, recently had to recall 110,000 vehicles because a software error displayed text instead of icons. In Tesla’s case, the fix was relatively simple due to their advanced digital dashboard systems. Similarly, Subaru and Lucid Motors have faced recall situations due to errors in labeling their spare tires—though, like BMW, they did not have to take drastic action.
Conclusion
In the world of automotive manufacturing, even the smallest errors can lead to significant consequences. BMW’s recent recall due to a missing word on tire and loading information stickers highlights the importance of compliance with international regulations. As Canada demands adherence to its bilingual language laws, automakers must be meticulous to avoid costly and cumbersome recalls.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
