BMW Water Pump Defect: Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Recall

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against BMW of North America, alleging that the company sold vehicles with a defective water pump that could increase the risk of fire. The lawsuit claims that the recent recall issued by BMW does not fully address the issue.

Consumers Affected: Owners of BMW vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018, including the models listed in the provided information.

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

BMW of North America is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that the automaker sold vehicles equipped with a defective water pump that could increase the risk of fire.

The lawsuit, filed by Quinyan Skinner in a New Jersey federal court, claims that BMW failed to adequately inform consumers about the defect and that the company's recent recall does not fully address the issue.

Skinner, the owner of a 2018 BMW X5, alleges that the defect involves an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump found in several BMW models. This faulty seal can allow water to accumulate on the connector, potentially leading to an electrical short circuit and a fire.

The lawsuit states that this defect "causes a serious safety concern" and that BMW failed to properly inform customers about this risk.

BMW Recall Fails to Address Full Extent of Water Pump Defect, Lawsuit Claims

In August 2024, BMW issued a recall for 720,796 vehicles manufactured between 2012 and 2018, including popular models like the X5, 3-Series, and X3. However, the lawsuit claims that many BMW owners, including Skinner, remained unaware of the defect until the recall, despite bringing their vehicles to dealerships for routine service.

While the recall provides for a free replacement of the water pump and connector, along with the installation of a protective shield, Skinner argues that this does not fully compensate for the inconvenience, potential costs, and possible depreciation associated with owning a vehicle identified as having a fire risk.

“In all, Defendant’s Recall amounts to tens of thousands of hours and dollars needlessly taken from Plaintiff and other Class Vehicle owners,” the lawsuit states.

Lawsuit Accuses BMW of Negligence, Selling Defective Vehicles

The lawsuit asserts that BMW violated consumer protection laws by failing to properly design, manufacture, and market the affected vehicles. It also alleges that BMW was aware of the defect but continued to sell the vehicles without adequately informing consumers.

This isn't the first time BMW has faced a lawsuit over their vehicles. In June 2024, the company settled a class action lawsuit for $6 million that alleged emissions violations in certain diesel models. The lawsuit alleged that BMW installed "defeat devices" in model year 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d and 2009-2011 BMW 335d vehicles. These devices allegedly allowed the vehicles to bypass emissions controls during normal operation, resulting in pollution exceeding legal limits. 

In the BMW water pump class action lawsuit, Skinner is seeking damages, fees, and a jury trial on behalf of all individuals who purchased or leased one of the recalled BMW models. The lawsuit claims that the total damages exceed $5 million.

The lawsuit covers a range of BMW models manufactured between 2012 and 2018, including:

• BMW 228i (2014-2016)
• BMW 228xi (2014-2016)
• BMW 328i (2012-2016)
• BMW 328xi (2012-2016)
• BMW 428i (2014-2016)
• BMW 428xi (2015-2016)
• BMW 528i (2012-2016)
• BMW X1 (2012-2015)
• BMW X3 (2013-2017)
• BMW X4 (2015-2018)
• BMW X5 (2016-2018)
• BMW Z4 (2012-2016)

Case Details

Lawsuit: Quinyan Skinner v. BMW of North America

• Case Number: 2:24-cv-09602
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Philip J. Furia and Jason P. Sultzer (Sultzer & Lipari PLLC )
• Paul J. Doolittle (Poulin | Wiley | Anastopoulo LLC)

Have you experienced issues with the water pump in your BMW? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below.