FRANKFURT, Germany » German carmaker BMW is recalling 176,000 vehicles from the model years 2012 to 2014 over a problem with the power brake system.

The company says in rare cases an interruption in the oil supply to a part can mean the loss of power braking assist. The brakes will still work, but the driver would have to press harder on the pedal.

The recall covers 76,200 vehicles sold in the U.S.

Affected BMW models have four-cylinder, 2-liter gasoline engines and include 125i compacts; 320i and 328i sedans; 520i and 528i sedans; X1 28i, 20i and 16i SUVs; X3 20i and 28i SUVs; and Z4 28i, 20i and 18i sports cars.

The company says owners will be notified by mail if their car is among those that need to be brought in for repair. BMW says if the brake-assist power is lost, drivers should pull over and call roadside assistance.