1999 BMW 328i

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999 323i and 328i vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata at one specific inflator production facility. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: BMW recommends that owners do not continue to drive their vehicles.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.

Remedy. BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Defect. ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. 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.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE RETAINING CLIP THAT SECURES THE BRAKE BOOSTER PUSHROD TO THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM WAS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED DURING PRODUCTION. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE CLIP TO DETACH FROM THE PIN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL ARM ALLOWING THE PUSHROD TO DISCONNECT FROM THE ARM.

Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE CLIP FOR TIGHT INSTALLATION AND REPLACE THE CLIP IF IT IS LOOSE.

Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE VEHICLES ARE BUILT WITH A SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM CONSISTING OF DOOR-MOUNTED THORAX AIR BAGS (REAR DOOR AIR BAGS ARE OPTIONAL), A HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM (HPS) FOR FRONT OCCUPANTS, A CENTRAL ELECTRONIC SENSOR AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM, LEFT AND RIGHT SATELLITE IMPACT SENSORS, AND ASSOCIATED WIRING. THIS SYSTEM IS UNDULY SENSITIVE TO CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEED.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH. IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL (BST) WOULD ALSO ACTIVATE, DISCONNECTING THE STARTER CABLE FROM THE BATTERY. IN THIS CASE, VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND THE ENGINE WOULD CONTINUE TO RUN, BUT AFTER STOPPING, COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE CENTRAL COMPUTER CONTROL MODULE THAT REGULATES THE PERFORMANCE OF ALL OF THE VEHICLE'S OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEMS.

Central locking module failed , car will not lock unlock

1999 BMW 328I. VEHICLE IS REGISTERED AND IS A DAILY DRIVER IN MASSACHUSETTS. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON 05/01/2021 IN THE BOSTON AREA ON A SMOOTH ROAD AT NIGHT, THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR & SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. NO ACCIDENT, NO POTHOLES, NOTHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY, JUST DRIVING AND THEN AN EXPLOSION FROM AIRBAGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO IMMOBILIZED AT THE BATTERY.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHAPMAN BMW CHANDLER (7455 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THE DEALERS POSSESSION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF ROCHESTER (4250 W HENRIETTA RD, ROCHESTER, NY 14623, (585)359-7373) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

ON JUNE 11, 2020 MY CAR WAS DELIVERED TO CLASSIC BMW IN PLANO, TEXAS FOR 1999 BMW SAFETY RECALL 19V-851 FOR THE TAKATA NON-AZIDE DRIVER INFLATOR. THEY WERE ONLY SUPPOSED TO CHANGE THE IGNITER, BUT WHEN I RECEIVED THE CAR THE NEXT DAY I NOTICED THEY REPLACED THE ENTIRE AIRBAG ASSEMBLY. A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I TRIED THE HORN AND IT DID NOT WORK AND MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR BACK FOR REPAIR. I GOT THE CAR BACK ON JUNE 25.2020 AND WAS TOLD THAT A CONNECTOR WAS NOT COMPLETELY ATTACHED. HOWEVER, THE PAPERWORK THEY GAVE ME STATED - "FIRST VISIT A DUAL STAGE AIRBAG WAS RECEIVED FROM PARTS. VEHICLE HAS A ONE STAGE IGNITER. THE HARNESS WAS DIFFERENT CAUSING HORN TO BE INOP." THE CAR WAS RETURNED WITH THE ORIGINAL AIRBAG (OR ONE THAT LOOKS JUST LIKE IT) AND THE HORN NOW WORKS. EVERYTHING I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE STATES THAT THESE 2 SYSTEMS (SINGLE STAGE & DUAL STAGE AIRBAGS) ARE NOT COMPATABLIE WITH WIRING AND COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND WILL NOT FUNCTION. HAD I NOT CHECKED THE HORN THE CAR WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN RETURNED FOR MONTHS UNTIL THE NEXT INSPECTION AND MY WIFE WOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVING WITHOUT A FUCTIONAL AIRBAG. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THIS THAT THE CAR WAS SAFE THAT THEY RETURNED TO ME ON JUNE 12. IF THAT WAS TRUE, WHY DID THEY PUT THE ORIGINAL BAG BACK ON THE CAR. I UNDERSTAND MISTAKES HAPPEN AS BMW CHANGED TO THE DUAL SYSTEM SOMETIME IN 1999 BUT I FEEL THESE GUYS WERE LYING TO ME TRYING TO COVER UP THEIR MISTAKE.

I RECEIVED A NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR WAS RECALLED IN JANUARY 2020. NO REMEDY IS AVAILABLE. I HAVE BEEN WAITING AND CALLING BMW AND BMW DEALERSHIPS FOR 6 MONTHS. *TR

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THAT EAST BAY BMW (LOCATED AT 4350 ROSEWOOD DR, PLEASANTON, CA 94588) EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION AND OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED DANIELS BMW DEALER, (4600 CRACKERSPORT RD, ALLENTOWN, PA 18104) AND WAS INFORMED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFORMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED FOR THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. BMW OF LAS VEGAS LOCATED AT 6900 W SAHARA AVE, LAS VEGAS, NV 89117, WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME OF THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER CREVIER BMW (1500 AUTO MALL DR, SANTA ANA, CA 92705) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WERE NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE BUT WAS UPSET THAT A LOANER VEHICLE WAS NOT OFFERED AND THE MANUFACTURER DECLINED TO DISENGAGE THE AIR BAGS. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, WENT THROUGH A RED LIGHT AND STROKE A TRUCK. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE GOT SEVERELY DAMAGED. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED THE POLICE WAS PRESENT, BUT NO REPORT WAS ISSUED. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR A DIAGNOSTIC. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED RECEIVING A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) ON JANUARY 21 2020 AFTER THE ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE. . THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMED PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REMEDY WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THE DATE FOR THE PARTS BECOMING AVAILABLE REMAINED UNKNOWN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT SPOKEN WITH THE MANUFACTURER REGARDING THE RECALL. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF THE BUY BACK OPTION HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V851000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BEVERLY HILLS BMW (5070 WILSHIRE BLVD, LOS ANGELES, CA 90036) TO BE INSPECTED PRIOR TO THE RECALL REPAIR BEING PERFORMED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT, BY LAW, THE VEHICLE WOULD REMAIN IN CUSTODY OF THE DEALER DUE TO THE RECALL PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND IT WAS UNKNOWN WHEN THE PARTS WOULD ARRIVE. THE CONTACT WAS REFERRED TO THE MANUFACTURER WHERE AN OFFER FOR A BUYBACK WAS MADE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE BUYBACK WAS BASED ON THE KELLY BLUE BOOK VALUE OF THE VEHICLE PLUS $1,500 IN INCENTIVES TO PURCHASE ANOTHER SIMILAR VEHICLE. THE CONTACT WAS GIVEN THREE WEEKS TO MAKE A DECISION. THE CONTACT REQUESTED A LOANER VEHICLE, WHICH WAS DENIED BY THE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

HI SO I BOUGHT A CAR FROM SOMEONE I TRIED TAKING THE VIM OF SALE AND THE TRANSFER REASSIGNMENT FORM TO THEM AND THEY DENIED ME SAYING I NEED THE PINK SLIP AND I DON'T HAVE THINK PINK NEITHER DOES THE PERSON I BOUGHT IT FROM SO HOW DO I GO ABOUT THAT BECAUSE I WOULD LIKE TO REGISTER THE VECHILE IN MY NAME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT DOWNSHIFTED AND HEARD A LOUD ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE BUSHING HAD SEPARATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 135,000.

AT 0735HRS I WAS DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON I-215 IN UTAH'S SALT LAKE CITY AT 70 MPH WHEN THE DIVERS SIDE, SIDE IMPACT AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WITH NO IMPACT TO THE SIDE OF CAR NOR ANYWHERE ELSE TO THE CAR. THE AIRBAG IN THE DOOR SHOVED ME AGAINST THE CENTER CONSOLE CAUSING AN ABRUPT STEER. NO LOSS OF CONTROL TO THE CAR. RESULTING IN DAMAGE TO THE INTERIOR OF THE CAR, IE. HEADLINER, WINDSHIELD PILLAR, SIDE PILLAR AND THE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECT RENDERS THE POSITIVE CABLE USELESS. I BELIEVE THIS TO BE AN UNSAFE CONDITION THE COULD CAUSE SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE INJURY OR DEATH TO THE OPERATOR OR OTHERS ON THE HIGHWAY.

THE WELDS SECURING THE PASSENGER SIDE FUEL STRAP BRACKET TO THE BODY FAILED WHILE DRIVING AROUND 45MPH ON A SMOOTH ROAD. I NOTICED A METAL SCRAPING NOISE AND PULLED OVER. THE BRACKET WAS STILL ATTACHED TO THE STRAP AND WAS DRAGGING ON THE GROUND UNTIL I TOOK IT OFF. THE FAILURE HAPPENED DURING COMPLETELY SAFE CONDITIONS, WITH NO WARNING SIGNS OF FAILURE. INSPECTION OF THE BRACKET AND AREA OF THE FRAME SUGGESTS THAT THE TACK WELDS WERE DEFECTIVE. IF THE FAILURE HAD HAPPENED AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS OR ON A ROUGH SURFACE, IT COULD WELL HAVE CAUSED A BLOWOUT OF THE REAR TIRE AND POSSIBLY DROPPING THE GAS TANK. THIS DEFECT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. A QUICK SEARCH TURNS UP DOZENS OF ACCOUNTS OF THE EXACT FAILURE FOR THIS MODEL.