In a surprising turn of events, BMW has announced a recall of its all-electric sport activity vehicle, the iX, due to an unforeseen problem with the cruise control system. Drivers have reported accidentally activating the cruise control during low-speed maneuvers, prompting the automaker to take swift action.
The issue first came to light in late 2022 when BMW received complaints from owners regarding unintended acceleration. After conducting a thorough investigation, the company determined that while one early case was unrelated to the cruise control system, there were instances where the system was unintentionally activated.
Upon closer examination, BMW discovered that when the vehicle is operating at low speeds and the steering angle is high, the driver’s hand can inadvertently come into contact with the cruise control button. Photos of the iX’s interior revealed that the controls for the function are located on the left-hand spoke of the steering wheel. The speed can be set using a physical button that protrudes from the wheel, while a pressure point button to activate the cruise control is positioned above it.
BMW suggests that the problem may occur when a driver sets the cruise control, deactivates it, and then accidentally reactivates it, such as when parking at the end of a long highway drive. While experiencing sudden acceleration can be alarming, the driver has the ability to deactivate the system by pressing the cancel button or the brake pedal.
Thankfully, BMW has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to this issue, which affects a total of 11,180 iX xDrive50s and iX M60s from the 2022-2024 model years. The automaker is confident that a software update will rectify the problem, although specific details regarding the update have not been provided.
Starting from July 28, BMW will initiate contact with affected owners and offer a free software update at authorized dealerships. This proactive approach ensures that the necessary corrective measures are taken promptly to guarantee the safety and satisfaction of iX owners.
BMW’s commitment to addressing this issue swiftly and effectively underscores their dedication to customer safety and satisfaction. By promptly implementing the software update, the automaker aims to resolve the unintended activation of the cruise control system, allowing iX drivers to confidently enjoy their electric vehicles without any concerns.
As always, vehicle owners are encouraged to respond promptly to recall notices and contact their local BMW dealership for further instructions on scheduling the software update.