BMW Recalls Nearly 200,000 Cars in US Over Fire Risk from Engine Starter Defect

BMW of North America has announced a significant recall affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire risk associated with a defect in the engine starter relay.

“Owners of nearly 200,000 BMWs should not park in the garage because the vehicles could short circuit and catch fire, according to a recall notice”

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This defect can lead to corrosion, overheating, and short circuits, posing a serious safety concern.

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The recall includes a variety of BMW models from the 2019 to 2022 model years, as well as approximately 1,469 Toyota Supra vehicles manufactured by BMW.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has advised owners to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the necessary repairs are completed.

This recall is part of BMW's ongoing commitment to safety and customer trust, as highlighted by the company's proactive approach to addressing the defect.

The recall affects a wide range of BMW models, including the 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4, 2021-2022 BMW 430i and 430i Convertible, and the 2022 BMW 230i.

The inclusion of the Toyota Supra, a model manufactured by BMW, underscores the broader impact of the defect.

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The NHTSA has been actively involved in the recall process, ensuring that affected vehicle owners are informed and advised on safety precautions.

BMW plans to notify owners starting November 14, with repairs to be conducted in phases due to limited parts availability.

The company has assured that the replacement of the faulty starter will be free of charge.

The root cause of the defect has been identified as a manufacturing issue with the engine starter relay, which lacks adequate moisture protection, leading to potential corrosion.

“Published on September 26, 2025 inRecallsby Guillaume Rivard An engine starter issue has led to a new safety recall affecting severalBMWmodels along with theToyota GR Supra”

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This defect can result in overheating and short circuits, significantly increasing the risk of fire.

The recall process will be conducted in phases, with interim notification letters sent to vehicle owners in November.

BMW has emphasized that no accidents or injuries have been reported in connection with this defect.

Owners who have previously paid for repairs may be eligible for reimbursement.

This recall is part of a broader pattern of recalls by BMW.

The company has previously recalled over 720,000 vehicles for a fire risk related to electric water pumps.

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The current recall underscores the importance of addressing potential safety hazards promptly to maintain consumer trust and safety.

The NHTSA's involvement ensures that the recall process is transparent and that vehicle owners are adequately informed.

BMW's proactive measures, including free repairs and potential reimbursements, reflect the company's commitment to resolving the issue efficiently and maintaining its reputation for safety and reliability.