Luxury automaker BMW is recalling more than 300,000 vehicles for an issue with a battery cable that could potentially lead to a fire, reports The Associated Press.
The German manufacturer says that approximately 367,000 BMW 5- and 6-Series cars sold between 2004 and 2010 are affected by the issue. A battery connector cable in the trunk may come loose over time, and in extreme situations could potentially overheat and catch fire. Although the chance of this occurring is rare, BMW is covering its bases by issuing the recall.
"We've got one known case of actual fire here in the U.S., having sold 367,000 cars," BMW spokesman David Buchko told the news source.
According to the news source, BMW was recently penalized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for not reporting defects fast enough once they were discovered. BMW originally found out about the issue in 2006, but took some time before it uncovered the source of the problem.
When it comes to keeping a vehicle safe, regular auto maintenance is important. Although most parts are unlikely to cause a fire, going too long without regular oil changes and tune-ups can cause serious engine issues that may ultimately lead to more expensive car repairs.