NHTSA Recall 01V196000: Park/neutral start interlock switch (power train)
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 14,300 vehicles. It affects 2000–2001 BMW X5.
| NHTSA campaign | 01V196000 |
|---|---|
| Component | POWER TRAIN › AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION › PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH |
| Report received | June 14, 2001 |
| Owner notification | August 14, 2001 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
Vehicle description: 4.4i sport utility vehicles. Over an extended period of time, abrasion particles could deposit on the electrical contacts within the switch, causing a disruption of the electric current through the contacts. If the disruption occurs when the vehicle is stationary with the transmission in the neutral or park positions, the transmission will switch automatically into the emergency program, which is displayed in the instrument cluster via a warning lamp and a message, "trans. Fail-safe prog." in this case, the vehicle can be driven in lower gears only with limited engine output.
Safety risk
If this problem occurs, the ability to maintain speed in traffic and/or accelerate could be greatly diminished, possibly leading to a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the transmission gear position indicator switch. Owner notification began august 14, 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Notes
Also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 01V196000
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.