00:00To our other top story on this Friday evening, two BMW recalls tonight.
00:05Close to a million and a half vehicles may be at risk of catching fire.
00:10It is a safety concern first reported by the I-Team.
00:13Consumer investigative reporter Jason Knowles here now with the latest, Jason.
00:16It is a developing story.
00:18The I-Team and ABC News first investigated local and national reports of mysterious BMW fires in May.
00:25Now, months later, there are recalls for fire risks.
00:30The I-Team first reported on fires erupting in BMWs in the Chicago area and across the nation.
00:37Today, two major fire risk recalls, including more than 1.4 million vehicles.
00:43In one recall for model years 2008 to 2011, electrical shorts can melt parts.
00:49In another for 2006 to 2011 vehicles, overheated wires can melt electric connectors.
00:55The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says both can affect cars, even if they are unattended or not in use.
01:03In May, the I-Team and ABC News found dozens of incidents of BMW fires in the last five years around the country.
01:12In many cases, cars weren't even running.
01:15Some fires were caught on video in parking lots.
01:17Some set homes on fire.
01:20There were also reports from fire departments and owner complaints to NHTSA.
01:24They include different makes and models of BMWs dating as far back as 1999.
01:30Some models were under recall for a fire risk.
01:33Most were not.
01:34BMW said with about 4.9 million vehicles on U.S. roads, fire incidents are very rare.
01:40And we have not seen any pattern related to quality or component failure.
01:45And then two minutes later, it just said, whoosh!
01:47We also checked in with three local consumers who were part of our reporting, and none of their vehicles are part of the recall.
01:54In all, out of the 40-plus incidents in our local and national reporting, ABC says NHTSA's database shows 12 of the vehicles are subject to one or both of the recalls announced.
02:05In a statement also saying, the incidents included in your report earlier this year spanned a range of 1 to 15 years, with mileage of up to 232,250 miles, and multiple generations of model types.
02:19The safety of our customers is a top priority.
02:21We understand the serious nature of a vehicle fire, which is why we are taking appropriate steps to repair our customers' vehicles.
02:29If you're part of the recall, dealers will replace parts free of charge.
02:33If you're wondering if your BMW is affected by this recall, go to our website.
02:38We have detailed information on how you can search for your vehicle online.
02:42Also, if you have a BMW, look for a notice in the old-fashioned mail.
02:46We'll be updating this story as it develops. I'm sure more to come.
02:49I'm sure it will. All right, Jason, thanks so much.
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