NHTSA Complaint #11679354 — 2019 BMW 530I

Q) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? A) Refrigerant gas(R-1234yf) leak in the evaporator core. If the inspection request is made after the repair, no. It is suspected that there is a inherent defect in the evaporator core. Possibly related to interaction between the R-1234yf refrigerant and the material of the evaporator core. Q) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? A) The hole caused by this defect leaks refrigerant gas into the cabin, which in turn exposes drivers and passengers to a range of harmful health effects, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, nausea, neurological symptoms, and cardiovascular problems. The driver/passengers can even sense it after the recharge of the refrigerant gas(R-1234yf). Located behind the dashboard, manufacturer hinders users from being able to take appropriate and timely counter measures to protect them against such exposure. There is no warning system in placed either. Q) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? A) BMW service center confirmed the leak in the evaporator core using a Nitrogen Gas test. Q) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? A) No. Q) Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? A) No. If did, I could have maintained the system and avoid myself and passengers from being exposed to the safety risks, especially for a long-distance driving. The AC issue involving replacement of evaporator core in BMW 5 Series and etc, is not mere an issue of inconvenience but rather pose long term health safety issue. People drive cars for a long period of time, sometimes hours and hours. Even if not all of the leaked refrigerant gas come into the cabin, driver and passengers are still exposed to the leaked gas.