The problem
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. A malfunction or failure of a coolant system component, such as a thermostat, water pump, or fan belt, can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure. If the indications of a critical overheating condition is not noticed by the driver, it is possible that damage to, or failure of, a coolant system component could occur.
The risk
If a crack were to form or a seam were to separate in the heater core end piece, hot coolant could suddenly be expelled, increasing the risk of personal injury to a vehicle occupant.
The fix
Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 98V-178 (98V178000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Engine and engine cooling › Cooling system |
| Report date | August 4, 1998 |
| Owners notified | March 31, 1999 |
| Vehicles affected | 340,000 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Vehicles covered
Plus 29 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the engine & cooling
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 98V-178 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will install a new design radiator cap to control pressure and provide greater coolant overflow in the event of overheating.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 340,000 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.