The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into an estimated 120,000 BMW 7-Series sedans for a potential issue with the car not shifting into park and then rolling away.
NHTSA said it had opened a preliminary probe of the 2002-2008 models after receiving a complaint that a 2006 model rolled away after the consumer parked and exited the vehicle.
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The cars have a small transmission control lever on the steering column and a button on the end is pushed to select ‘Park’.
Reports involving similarly equipped cars also describing roll-away incidents were submitted by BMW, according to NHTSA’s website, Reuters reported.
A BMW spokesman said the automaker is cooperating with the NHTSA and is not aware of any reports of accidents or injuries related to the issue.
A preliminary investigation is the first step in a process that could lead to a recall if regulators determine that a safety issue needs to be addressed by a manufacturer.
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By GlobalDataAccording to the complaint filed with NHTSA, the car was equipped with BMW’s electronic access and ignition system.
The shifter is designed to automatically shift the vehicle to park under a variety of conditions, including when the driver turns off the engine, according to the NHTSA website.
The NHTSA said no cause has been identified for any of the incidents.
