NHTSA Complaint #10104486 — 1998 BMW 540IA

THE INSIDE DOOR HANDLES OF MY CAR (1998 BMW MODEL 540IA) ARE CONSTRUCTED OF LOW GRADE / FRAGILE PLASTIC MATERIAL WHICH BREAKS DURING NORMAL USAGE. WITHOUT A HANDLE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. AN EXTREMELY HAZARDOUS SITUATION RESULTS WHEN THIS HANDLE HAS BROKEN BECAUSE IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT, A DRIVER, OR PASSENGER, WILL BE TRAPPED IN THE VEHICLE. TO ESCAPE, THAT PERSON WOULD HAVE TO CRAWL TO THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CAR OR TO THE FRONT/REAR SEAT TO OPEN A DOOR. IN CASE OF AN INJURY FROM THE ACCIDENT THIS MIGHT NOT BE POSSIBLE. THIS HAZARDOUS SITUATION IS A RESULT OF THE MANUFACTURERS USE OF LOW QUALITY MATERIALS IN SUCH AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT AS THE DOOR HANDLES USED FOR EMERGENCY EXIT. A STRONGER MATERIAL WHICH IS NOT SO EASILY BROKEN SHOULD BE USED FOR THESE PARTS - SUCH AS STEEL.*AK