In recent months, there have been a large number of car recalls from some of the most prominent automakers in the US and abroad. In a recent major recall, BMW removed the taillight assembly on its 2008-2010 5-series vehicles. This major safety recall affects approximately 134,000 vehicles. Because this problem can create a significant risk factor for a rear-end collision, many BMW drivers have likely already had this part repaired as soon as the problem arose. The affected 5-series cars are old enough to be out of warranty, so it’s likely that many of the repairs have already been done by local independent BMW repair shops, meaning the drivers paid out of pocket. pocket for repair.

Should BMW reimburse these BMW drivers who have already had their taillights repaired for the parts and labor they have already paid for? In shorts, yes. Your vehicle manufacturer will cover the replacement cost of the recalled part, provided the vehicle has been taken to a qualified mechanic who used original factory (OEM) parts for the repair.

It may not be an easy process to claim your money, but according to federal regulations, automakers like BMW must reimburse drivers for costs related to repairing a defective recalled part, as long as drivers can present receipts as proof. of the repair. While federal requirements do not require the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, they do not prohibit the manufacturer from requiring the use of OEM parts in order for the recalled part to be considered reimbursable.

It’s good practice to keep all of your BMW repair and service receipts because you never know when a part might be recalled. If you haven’t kept your receipts organized, your qualified, independent BMW mechanic will have a record of these receipts and should be able to print a new one for you. It’s also a good idea to keep any other important documentation related to the withdrawal, such as the withdrawal notice you receive in the mail.

If you’re looking to claim a refund for a recalled part you’ve already replaced, you can contact your local dealer for guidance or contact the automaker’s customer service department. If you have problems with your claim and are initially denied reimbursement costs, don’t give up so easily. One tactic that has proven successful, even after the claim is initially denied, is to escalate the issue to your local news station’s investigative team for help, as this lady from California did. Remember, federal regulations are on your side when it comes to vehicle safety recalls.