BMW Faces Lawsuit Alleging Electrical Connector Defect Poses Fire Risk

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims certain BMW vehicles have an electrical connector defect that poses a fire risk, and the company failed to disclose the issue to customers.

Consumers Affected: Owners or lessees of BMW vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018, including the BMW X1, Z4, and 3 Series.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

A class action lawsuit filed against BMW of North America LLC alleges that certain vehicles contain an electrical connector defect that could lead to a fire risk. The complaint, filed by Georgia resident Sedera Huff, accuses BMW of failing to disclose the issue to customers and neglecting its duty to ensure vehicle safety.

Defect Allegedly Found in Multiple BMW Models

The lawsuit centers on a defect in the electrical connector for the water pump, which reportedly allows water to accumulate and cause a short circuit. This defect, according to the filing, significantly increases the likelihood of a fire in affected vehicles.

The models impacted include several BMW vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018, such as the BMW X1, Z4, and 3 Series. Huff, the owner of a 2016 BMW 528i, claims that she was never informed about the potential risk, despite the automaker issuing a recall in August 2024 for over 720,000 vehicles to address the issue.

Claims Against BMW

Huff alleges that BMW failed to inform customers about the defect or adequately address the risk it posed. She asserts that the company neglected its responsibility to ensure the functionality and safety of its vehicles and did not notify her of the recall during regular dealership visits for vehicle maintenance.

The lawsuit further claims that the defect was known to BMW but not disclosed to customers until the recall was issued. It states: “Plaintiff was never informed that water could reach the plug connector, causing an electrical shortage, which could increase the risk of a thermal event and cause a fire.”

Huff contends that BMW’s handling of the situation has caused both inconvenience and safety concerns for affected vehicle owners. She seeks damages for herself and other owners or lessees of the impacted vehicles.

Details of the 2024 Recall

In August 2024, BMW announced a recall for more than 720,000 vehicles to address the water pump electrical connector issue. The recall offered affected customers a free replacement of the water pump and plug connector, along with the installation of a protective shield to prevent further damage.

Huff alleges that BMW’s response was insufficient and that the recall did not fully resolve the safety concerns associated with the defect. She claims that the automaker’s failure to act promptly and effectively left customers at risk.

Other BMW Lawsuits Highlight Similar Claims

This is not the only legal challenge BMW faces related to the water pump electrical connector defect. In October, a South Carolina woman filed a separate lawsuit alleging similar issues. She claimed that BMW sold vehicles with a defective water pump and that the recall does not fully address the risk of fire. These lawsuits reflect growing concerns among customers about the automaker’s response to the defect.

Huff’s lawsuit, filed in New Jersey federal court, seeks to represent all owners or lessees of the recalled vehicles who were impacted by the defect. The filing accuses BMW of negligence and violations of consumer protection laws, alleging that the company prioritized its own interests over customer safety. Huff is asking the court to certify the class, award damages, and hold BMW accountable for its handling of the defect.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Sedera Huff v. BMW of North America LLC
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-11289
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Robert Ahdoot and Theodore W. Maya (Ahdoot & Wolfson PC)

Do you own a BMW vehicle affected by the water pump electrical connector defect? Share your experience in the comments below.