BMW and VW announce global recalls

GERMAN brands Volkswagen and BMW have announced separate engine-related global recalls, affecting more than 500,000 cars in total.

The BMW recall involves 235,000 Mini vehicles worldwide – including more than 3500 in Australia – due to a possible fault with an electric water pump.

The fault, which poses a possible fire risk, affects Cooper S and John Cooper Works versions of hatch, Cabrio, Clubman and Countryman models built between March 2006 and January 2011.

Mini Australia product communications manager Scott Croaker told GoAuto that dealers began contacting affected customers as soon as the global action was announced.

Owners of recalled vehicles are urged to take their cars to their local dealership for a free repair no later than their next scheduled service.

UK reports indicate that BMW (owner of the Mini brand) is investigating one possible engine-related fire caused by the fault. There have been no reports of injury or road accidents as a result of the issue.

From top: Volkswagen Golf, Passat and Tiguan.

Mr Croaker confirmed that Mini was also investigating one report of “potential smouldering” in Australia, but that this had not resulted in a fire.

Volkswagen – Europe’s largest car-maker – has commenced an international recall of 299,000 diesel-powered vehicles built since 2009 due to possible cracks in the fuel-injection system which could lead to a fuel leak.

The issue not only affects VW’s own Golf, Passat, Jetta and Tiguan models, but also products from subsidiary brands Audi, Skoda and Seat.

Volkswagen Australia general manager of press and public relations Karl Gehling confirmed to GoAuto today that Australian models were affected and that an official recall notice would be issued soon.

Mr Gehling said the brand’s local arm was awaiting information regarding the affected production batches before releasing more specific information on which cars will be recalled.

In better news for the Mini brand, French driver Stephane Peterhansel and his co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret have taken out the gruelling 2012 Rally Dakar in a heavily modified Countryman.

Mr Peterhansel has now won the famous long-distance rally a staggering 10 times – six on a motorcycle and four in cars.