Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
2008 Bmw X5 — Known Issues & Recalls
Complaints from Jan 2024 to Dec 2016
The most reported issue is air bags problems (45 complaints). 4 complaints involved crashes. 15 involved fires.
Open Safety Recalls (10)
NHTSA Campaign: 19V017000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V017000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 20V016000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 18V030000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V020000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V746000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 BMW X5 3.0si, X5 4.8i, X5 M, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i and X5 xDrive50i, 2008-2011 X6 x Drive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 535i xDrive Gran Turismo, 535i Gran Turismo, 550i xDrive Gran Turismo and 550i Gran Turismo, 2011-2012 528i, 535i, 535i xDrive, 550i and 550i xDrive and 2012 535i ActiveHybrid, 640i Convertible, 650i Convertible, 650i xDrive Convertible, 650i Coupe and 650i Coupe xDrive vehicles. The affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have insufficiently crimped wire contacts.
Risk: The loose wires may cause the connector to melt, resulting in a fuel leak. Additionally, the fuel pump may stop working, possibly causing an engine stall and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. The recall began February 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 17V683000
Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Fix: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 16V364000
Component: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA Campaign: 08V170000
Component: SUSPENSION:REAR
BMW IS RECALLING 55 MY 2008 X5 SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR AXLE STABILIZER (ANTI-SWAY BAR). THESE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH A SPORTS-SUSPENSION STABILIZER RATHER THAN A STANDARD SUSPENSION STABILIZER ON THE REAR AXLE.
Risk: IN CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS, SUCH AS FAST LANE CHANGES AT HIGH SPEED, THE VEHICLE COULD EXPERIENCE AN 'OVER-STEER' BEHAVIOR AFFECTING VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, WHICH COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REAR AXLE STABILIZER. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 14, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117 OR VIA E-MAIL TO CUSTOMERRELATIONS@BMWUSA.COM.
NHTSA Campaign: 10V518000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 X5 SAVs VEHICLES WITH 6-CYLINDER ENGINES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 1, 2007 THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2008. DUE TO A MANUFACTURING PROCESS FAULT, THE FUEL PUMP WAS NOT PRODUCED TO SPECIFICATIONS. UNDER SPECIFIC VEHICLE OPERATING CONDITIONS, THE FUEL PUMP'S COMMUTATOR COULD EXPERIENCE AN INCREASE IN WEAR.
Risk: THIS WEAR COULD LEAD TO FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTION AND ENGINE STALLING. ENGINE STALLING COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE IN-TANK FUEL PUMP FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JANUARY 11, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.
Owner-Reported Issues (20 of 333)
Engine And Engine Cooling →4 issues
While driving your 2008 BMW X5 at various speeds, you noticed a strong burning plastic smell inside the vehicle with no warning lights appearing. You were able to drive home safely and stopped using the car. You received a recall notice (NHTSA Campaign 22V119000) for the engine and cooling system, but the repair parts weren't available yet, and the dealer never diagnosed or repaired the issue. The repair may involve replacing engine cooling system components or hoses that are burning or degrading.
Parts you may need:
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Your 2008 BMW X5 was issued a recall notice for an engine cooling issue, but the dealer informed you that the necessary parts weren't available to complete the repair. You've noticed a burning smell coming from inside the vehicle, though no warning lights appeared on your dashboard. The manufacturer has taken longer than expected to make parts available, leaving your car unrepaired despite the safety concern.
Parts you may need:
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While driving at 65 mph with the heater on, you noticed a plastic smell and your check engine light came on. A mechanic couldn't reproduce the problem, so no repair was done. You were notified of a recall (Campaign 22V119000) for your engine cooling system, but the required parts have been unavailable, and the recall has been pending longer than reasonable.
Parts you may need:
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Your car may have produced smoke coming through the vents while parking, with no warning light initially appearing. The problem recurred while driving, causing your engine to stall and the check engine light to turn on, leaving you unable to restart the vehicle. A faulty valve cover gasket was identified as the cause, which is part of a safety recall, but the replacement parts were not available at the time of diagnosis.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine →3 issues
Your parked X5 caught fire in the engine compartment while the car was off, resulting in total loss. BMW issued a recall in 2022 for a part that could cause fires in some vehicles, but you were not directly notified by your dealer. There were no warning signs before the fire occurred. The recall part may need to be inspected or replaced to prevent this fire risk.
Parts you may need:
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Your car's PCV valve heater can experience an electrical short that causes it to overheat, creating a serious fire risk while you're driving or shortly after you park. You may notice an electrical burning smell coming from under the hood, which is a warning sign to pull over immediately and exit the vehicle. BMW will replace the electrical wiring harness and add fuse protection to the PCV valve heater circuit at no cost.
Parts you may need:
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Your car is producing black smoke from the tailpipe and losing power when you accelerate, and it's burning through spark plugs every 2 weeks and consuming about 5 quarts of oil every 2 weeks with oil leaks appearing in multiple locations. The power loss is forcing you to use slower routes to work and miss work, and you feel the car is unsafe for your family to drive. You received a recall notice from BMW 2 months ago but haven't received resolution yet, and the problem has been worsening over 6 months.
Parts you may need:
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Engine →2 issues
Your car has an open safety recall that was issued in March 2022, but BMW has not yet released a fix or remedy for the issue. This means the problem remains unresolved and you should contact your dealer to check for any updates or alternative solutions.
Parts you may need:
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Your car hesitates when starting in cold weather. The engine may take longer to turn over or require multiple attempts to start until the engine warms up.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car caught fire in the engine compartment while parked, which appears to have been caused by an electrical problem. Police and fire departments responded to the scene and filed a report. This issue requires immediate investigation by a BMW service center to identify the root cause of the electrical fire.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,air Bags,unknown Or Other →1 issue
Your car's seat calibration system and airbag/seat belt tensioner aren't working properly, which prevents the level control system from functioning correctly. This means your vehicle's safety systems may not deploy as designed in a crash. Fixing this will likely require recalibrating or replacing the seat occupancy sensors and airbag control module.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your fuel pump connector has burned into the fuel pump wiring harness, creating a serious fire hazard. Your mechanic compared this to a ticking time bomb, and you believe your vehicle should have been covered by a recall even though your VIN doesn't show one. The repair will likely involve replacing the fuel pump connector and harness to eliminate the fire risk.
Parts you may need:
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Electrical System,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your 2008 BMW X5 experienced a coolant leak from the crossover pipe near the timing belt cover, which wasn't discovered until smoke suddenly poured from under the hood and out of the air conditioning vents with no warning lights—creating a serious fire risk. The low coolant light came on initially but disappeared after adding coolant, leaving you unaware of the dangerous leak. The repair involves replacing the leaking coolant crossover pipe and likely inspecting the EGR cooler system, which BMW has recalled for similar coolant-related fire hazards in other model years.
Parts you may need:
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Power Train,electrical System,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your car may experience violent shaking and feel like it's about to seize up while driving, particularly on the freeway, which could force you to pull over suddenly. This issue appears to involve the transfer case, driveshaft, or differential, but no warning codes appear to alert you to the problem, making it difficult for mechanics to diagnose. Even after visits to multiple shops and a BMW dealership, the issue hasn't been resolved. Fixing this will likely require a mechanic to physically inspect and potentially rebuild or replace the drivetrain components, which can be expensive.
Parts you may need:
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Engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your BMW X5 had a faulty PCV valve that was subject to a "Stop Drive" recall order, but you didn't receive notification about it. You continued driving the vehicle unknowingly until it was towed to the dealership in May 2024. When BMW replaced the PCV valve, they didn't address the rough idle, burning smell, and engine problems that developed from driving with the faulty valve. The repair may require a more thorough engine inspection and replacement of damaged components beyond just the PCV valve itself.
Parts you may need:
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Exterior Lighting,air Bags,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your airbag warning light is illuminated for the passenger side, and you're experiencing fuel injector problems. You've noticed flickering lights and previously dealt with smoking issues that required repair. This may indicate issues with the airbag system, fuel injection system, and electrical lighting that should be diagnosed by a mechanic.
Parts you may need:
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Engine And Engine Cooling,electrical System →1 issue
While driving at 50 MPH, your instrument panel suddenly went blank and multiple warning lights appeared on your dashboard. Your infotainment system also stopped displaying any image. A dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty fuel pump that needs replacement. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to help, even though you believe it may be related to a known recall.
Parts you may need:
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Suspension →1 issue
Your car is experiencing multiple issues including loose suspension components, knocking noises from the front and rear, and several non-working features like cruise control and the PCV heater. Your dashboard warning lights are all illuminated, suggesting the vehicle needs immediate service attention. The repairs may involve suspension inspection and tightening, diagnostic scanning to identify warning light causes, and replacement of failed components.
Parts you may need:
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Tires →1 issue
Your driver's side rear tire experienced a sidewall split while you were driving at 60 mph, causing the tire to lose pressure rapidly. This type of sudden tire failure at highway speeds creates a serious safety risk. The tire will need to be replaced with a new one of the same size (255/50R19).
Parts you may need:
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Vehicle Speed Control,engine,fuel/propulsion System →1 issue
Your BMW X5 is producing excessive black or white smoke from the exhaust when you start it up and while driving, creating a potential fire hazard for your family. Other drivers behind you are also being affected by the heavy smoke. A mechanic has looked at it, but you believe this is a known safety issue that should have been recalled.
Parts you may need:
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