Source: CNN
BMW is recalling nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire hazard. Owners are advised to refrain from parking their vehicles inside garages or near structures until a correction is implemented.
The recall notice has been issued due to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It stated the issue is a result of the engine starter relay. This part has the potential to corrode when it comes into contact with moisture. If this occurs, it can lead to overheating and short circuiting, which could =result in the vehicle catching on fire.
The problem can happen when the vehicle is parked or on the move. For this reason, NHTSA advised “Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the remedy is complete,” NHTSA said in the “fire risk warning.”
Vehicles engaged in the recall
The recall impacts nearly 196,355 BMW vehicles that were produced between 2019 and 2022. It also applies to almost 1,469 Toyota Supra models that are made by BMW.
- The recalled models are:
- 2019–2022 BMW Z4
- 2019–2021 BMW 330i
- 2020–2022 BMW X3
- 2020–2022 BMW X4
- 2020–2022 BMW 530i
- 2021–2022 BMW 430i (standard and convertible)
- 2022 BMW 230i
- 2020–2022 Toyota Supra
Survey and Safety Concerns
BMW started the recall by looking into 10 cars that caught fire, but there were no reported injuries or accidents linked to the defect. Still, regulators and the automaker acknowledged that the risk is serious and car owners should heed the parking warning.
Repair plan
BMW dealers will replace the faulty starter relay at no charge to owners; however, the repair program will be implemented in phases due to limited replacement part availability.
On November 14, 2025, BMW will send the first letter to affected owners.
A second notice will be sent later with details on when replacement parts are available.
As of November 14, owners will be able to input their VIN or license plate number on the NHTSA website to check if their vehicle is affected by the recall. Owners can also contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for inquiries.
Prior issues with fires
This is not the first time that BMW has confronted fire issues. In 2018, the company was forced to pay a $10 million fine in South Korea after a year in which more than 50 BMWs caught fire. Officials at that time found instead that BMW delayed recalling 172,000 cars and tried to cover up evidence of problems.
The most recent U.S. recall underscores just how critical safety recalls are for manufacturers. For their part, BMW and owners of the Toyota Supra are now being asked to take additional precautions and comply with NHTSA until repairs are performed.
