The company is recalling 11,180 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 units as a result.
The BMW iX has what it takes to showcase the brand's ability in advancing automotive technologies. But apparently, the luxury crossover may have a small design flaw in terms of software as BMW has recalled the EV over a cruise control system issue.
This follows a software issue last year when the BMW iX was recalled over a faulty airbag control unit, which affected the illumination of the airbag warning lamp and warning message. Now, the Munich-based automaker will update the cruise control software of the affected units.
In the safety recall report by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW is recalling 11,180 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 units, produced from October 18, 2021 to May 31, 2023.
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The issue stems from a risk that the cruise control system might unexpectedly reactivate. The automaker explains that the iX's layout allows drivers to accidentally activate cruise control when maneuvering the vehicle at low speeds and turning the steering wheel. This could lead to a slight increase in speed, which could eventually increase the risk of a crash. It was in late 2022 when BMW first received complaints of unintended acceleration from owners.
Cruise control is a handy feature in reducing driver fatigue as it accelerates the car automatically based on the set speed. But like any other automation, the feature can affect drivers' decision-making on the road.
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One instance from China last year saw a driver stuck in a Haval H6 for 320 miles until the vehicle ran out of gas – just because the car's cruise control failed.
When cruise control unexpectedly reactivates in the iX, the driver can deactivate the system by either depressing the brake pedal or pressing the cruise control on/off button. But amid panic due to unintended acceleration, these things can be overlooked by an unsuspecting driver.
BMW will resolve the issue through a software update. The details of that update are still unclear but the company will start sending notification letters to owners on July 28, 2023.
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Keyword: BMW iX Has Cruise Control Issue That Could Cause Unintended Acceleration