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Campaign 10V446 Posted October 1, 2010 198,352 units

2002-2010 BMW 5/6/7 Series Recall 10V446: Brake Booster

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 3, 2026

Recall 10V446 affects 198,352 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series vehicles for brake-booster contamination. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 198,352 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series vehicles because a brake vacuum pump check valve can leak oil and contaminate the brake booster. The defect can reduce or remove power braking assist in extreme cases and increase crash risk; the dealer repair will be free once BMW makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The brake vacuum system on 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series vehicles helps the driver apply braking force with less pedal effort. A vacuum pump creates the assist, and a check valve helps keep pressure moving the right way so the brake booster can add force when you press the pedal.

In affected BMW vehicles, the check valve in the brake vacuum pump can leak a small amount of lubricating oil. Over time, that oil can reach and contaminate the brake booster. Once the booster is contaminated, the brake system can lose some power assist, so the driver has to press the pedal harder to get the same braking force.

There is no warning sign before failure. Owners should not count on a light, noise, or gradual pedal change before the booster assist is affected.

Who's affected?

Covers three BMW model lines across nine model years, all tied to the hydraulic brake system.

2008 BMW 7 Series hydraulic brake system
2003 BMW 7 Series hydraulic brake system
2004 BMW 7 Series hydraulic brake system
2005 BMW 6 Series hydraulic brake system
2006 BMW 6 Series hydraulic brake system
Units affected198,352

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.

What's the safety risk?

Reduced power brake assist makes the brake pedal harder to press and increases the effort needed to stop. In extreme cases, power assist braking can be lost, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, or 7 Series is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask about the free brake vacuum pump check-valve repair that protects brake power assist.
  3. Reference recall number 10V446 when you call BMW or the dealer.
  4. Bring the recall notice if you have it, plus any brake-service paperwork tied to the vacuum pump or brake booster.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete; allow extra stopping distance and contact the dealer right away if the brake pedal feels harder than normal.

What happens at the repair

BMW's filing says dealers repair the vehicle free of charge, but the remedy text does not name a specific replacement part or service operation. At the dealer, a BMW technician addresses the brake vacuum pump check valve condition that can let lubricating oil contaminate the brake booster. The final dealer repair will be free once available, with parts and labor covered under the recall. BMW owner notices for this campaign began on November 24, 2010. The filing does not give a separate reimbursement plan, so ask the service desk to confirm the covered repair before work starts.

Timeline

October 1, 2010 NHTSA published the recall
November 24, 2010 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 10V446?

Recall 10V446 covers 198,352 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, and 7 Series vehicles with a brake vacuum pump check valve that can leak oil and contaminate the brake booster. Loss of power brake assist increases crash risk, and BMW dealers repair the vehicles for free.

What should I do if my 2002-2010 BMW 5 Series, 6 Series, or 7 Series is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 10V446. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the recall repair. Reference recall number 10V446 when you call. The dealer repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW stated that dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. A franchised BMW dealer handles the recall repair.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced power brake assist. If oil from the brake vacuum pump check valve contaminates the brake booster, braking effort can increase, and a complete loss of power assist can occur. That increases crash risk.

What if I bought this BMW used?

The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 5 Series, 6 Series, or 7 Series is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 10V446.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/10V446000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #10V446
NHTSA recall # (full)10V446000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 3, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →