BMW Recollects 196,000 Vehicles in U.S. Over Hearth Threat — Starter Motor Defect

BMW is dealing with one other main recall, with greater than 196,000 automobiles in the USA and a minimum of 136,500 in Germany being pulled again as a consequence of a defect within the starter motor that poses a possible hearth danger. The U.S. Nationwide Freeway Visitors Security Administration (NHTSA) introduced the marketing campaign on Friday, warning homeowners to not park their automobiles inside garages or close to buildings till the restore has been accomplished.

The Defect: Corrosion, Quick Circuits, and Hearth Threat

On the middle of the difficulty is the engine starter relay, which can corrode when uncovered to moisture. In unfavorable circumstances, this corrosion can result in overheating and even a brief circuit. Whereas at first the defect could solely stop the engine from beginning, NHTSA and BMW have confirmed that overheating within the starter motor can escalate into a fireplace hazard. Notably troubling is the truth that such fires can ignite hours after the car was final pushed, elevating the stakes for homeowners and regulators alike.

In response to BMW’s inner testing and buyer reviews, water can penetrate sure starter motor models constructed between late 2015 and 2021. The corporate recognized the danger after ongoing product testing and complaints from the sphere revealed repeated failures in affected fashions.

Fashions Impacted

The recall covers a variety of BMW automobiles, together with the Toyota Suprawhich shares parts with the BMW Z4. Within the U.S., the record of affected automobiles consists of:

• 2019–2021 BMW 330i
• 2019–2022 BMW Z4
• 2020-2022 BMW 530i, x3, x4
• 2021–2022 BMW 430i, 430i Convertible
• 2022 BMW 230i
• 2020–2022 Toyota Supra

Globally, the difficulty impacts almost all BMW mannequin traces produced between September 28, 2015, and September 7, 2021, except for some compact fashions with transverse engines and M efficiency fashions, which used starter motors from different suppliers.

In Germany, the recall record consists of:

• BMW 1 Collection (F20, F21)
• 2 Collection Coupe (G42)
• 3 Collection (G20, G21, G28)
• 4 Collection (G22, G23, G26)
• 5 Collection (G30, G31)
• 6 Collection GT (G32)
• 7 Collection (G11, G12)
• X3 (G01)
• X4 (G02)
• X5 (G05)
• X6 (G06)
• X7 (G07)
• Z4 roadster (G29)

Security Warnings

Due to the potential hearth hazard, BMW and U.S. regulators have urged prospects to not park their automobiles indoors or near constructions. This precaution mirrors warnings from earlier remembers throughout the auto business the place hearth danger was concerned.

NHTSA has additionally issued a discover stressing that “homeowners are suggested to park their automobiles outdoors and away from constructions till the treatment is full.”

Treatment and Subsequent Steps

Homeowners within the U.S. will start receiving official recall notices beginning November 14, 2025. At that time, they are going to be capable to examine whether or not their particular car is included by getting into their VIN at NHTSA.gov/remembers.

BMW has confirmed that affected automobiles will obtain a substitute starter motor freed from cost, with some fashions additionally requiring a brand new battery. Repairs can be dealt with by licensed BMW sellers within the U.S. and worldwide. Prospects may contact BMW’s U.S. service line at 1-800-525-7417 for extra particulars.