CHICAGO - BMW AG said on Thursday it will recall 241,000 sedans in the United States to fix a rear-light defect it says may cause crashes.

The models include the 325I, 325XI, 330I, and 330XI built between 2002 and 2005.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on its website that over time, resistance in the electrical contacts may cause one or more rear lamp functions (tail light, brake light, and or turn-signal), within the vehicle's body panel to stop working.

BMW noted that intermittent light operation reduces the ability to warn other motorist of the driver's intention, which could cause a vehicle crash without warning.

The rear-light problem affects cars only in the US, said Andreas Lampka, a BMW spokesman in Munich.

The safety recall is expected to begin during October this year. Dealers will repair the vehicle free of charge.