BMW has issued a safety recall for the ActiveE electric car. The fully-electric 1 Series Coupe is recalled for a potential power steering failure. Also affected by this recall are certain 2012 BMW Z4 models.

In total, the recall accounts for 162 units.

In a bulletin issued by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW says that variations in electrical current may occur within the electric power steering systems of the recalled cars. This could then lead to a sudden loss of power steering assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.

BMW will notify owners and repairs will occur at local BMW dealerships.

Earlier this year, 700 BMW ActiveE leases have been handed out to consumers in metropolitan markets of Boston, Hartford, New York, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco. The lease was set at $499/month for 24 months with a down payment of $2,250. ActiveE serves as a bed test for the 2013 BMW i3 which will feature several technologies deployed in the ActiveE.

BMW ActiveE uses a powerful electric synchronous motor. Maximum power output of the electric drive system is 170 horsepower while maximum torque of 184 lb-ft is available from a standstill. Top speed is electronically limited at around 90 mph.

Read our series on “Living with the BMW ActiveE” – Part 1 and 2

Safety Bulletin

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

BMW ACTIVEE 2011
BMW Z4 2012

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 28, 2012
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V302000 NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 162

Summary:
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 1-SERIES ACTIVE E AND MODEL YEAR 2012 Z4 VEHICLES. VARIATIONS IN ELECTRICAL CURRENT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE SYSTEM, LEADING TO SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE.

Consequence:
SUDDEN LOSS OF STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY INCREASE THE STEERING EFFORT REQUIRED TO CONTROL THE DIRECTION OF A VEHICLE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE STEERING ASSISTANCE MODULE