BMW owners say their parked cars bursting into flames
CHICAGO (May 12, 2017)- A recent report claims a number of parked, turned-off BMW cars have suddenly, and inexplicably burst into flames.
Dozens of incidents have been reported across the country in which the luxury cars caught fire, despite the fact the affected owners had parked and turned off their vehicles.
One BMW owner told ABC News his 2008 X5, which he bought just days before, inexplicably caught fire while parked in his garage on December 1, 2015. The man says his wife noticed a strange scent after parking the car. He ran out to the garage just in time to hear some popping noises and see the car burst into flames. The fire spread throughout the upper and lower floors of his home.
BMW has issued several recalls over the years for fire-related problems, but ABC News’ investigation found more than 40 fires occurred in parked cars across the United States in the last five years involving vehicles that did not have open recalls for fire-related issues.
The incidents have left BMW owners and fire departments stumped. Safety experts say while car fires are not uncommon, they usually occur in vehicles that are being operated. They, too, are flabbergasted as to how a car can burst into flames once the engine has been turned off.
BMW says they have not noticed a pattern and that car fires can result from a variety of reasons unrelated to their product, such as lack of or improper maintenance, modifications, rodent nesting, and arson.
So far, no injuries have been reported related to the incidents and a recall has not yet been issued for BMW vehicles.
However, if you or someone you know is injured by a defective vehicle or other product, you have the right to seek compensation, including economic damages (lost wages or medical expenses), non-economic damages (pain and suffering) and punitive damages (to punish reckless behavior). If you or someone you know is in need of legal assistance due to injuries from a defective product, contact our office for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation.
