I am filing this complaint regarding an ongoing safety issue with my 2021 BMW 740i involving the lane departure warning system, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control, all of which have stopped functioning properly. These features are critically tied to the windshield-mounted KAFAS camera, which I’ve now been told needs to be replaced. Initially, the BMW dealership attributed the issue to a software problem and charged me $500 for a software update. After the update, the driver assist systems remained non-functional. The dealership then diagnosed a failure with the front camera assembly and is now quoting me approximately $3,000 for replacement of the windshield and camera module. I have reviewed NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin SIB 66 08 23 (NHTSA ID: MC-10236236-9999), which outlines this exact issue, suggesting that BMW is aware of system limitations and hardware failures in this critical safety feature. However, this has not resulted in a recall or manufacturer-paid repair, despite the significant safety risk involved. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2021 BMW 740i and similar BMW models equipped with the same KAFAS camera system. The sudden failure of key driver assistance systems—especially lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control—can lead to dangerous driving conditions, particularly on highways. I believe a recall or service campaign should be initiated requiring BMW to cover the cost of diagnosis and camera replacement due to the safety-critical nature of these systems. Please consider this complaint as a formal petition for further investigation and potential recall.
NHTSA ODI 11672121