BMW Issues Urgent Recall Over Fire Risk for 200,000 Vehicles

BMW has issued a critical safety recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns owners of a potential fire hazard. The risk exists even when the car is turned off and parked.

Owners are being instructed to park their vehicles outside and away from structures. This urgent measure is to prevent potential property damage or injury. The recall impacts several popular BMW models from the 2019 to 2022 model years.

Specific Models and the Underlying Defect

The recall centers on a faulty component within the engine. According to NHTSA documentation, a specific engine starter relay can corrode over time. This corrosion can lead to overheating and an electrical short circuit.

The resulting thermal event could potentially ignite a fire. This dangerous situation might occur while the vehicle is in operation or, more alarmingly, while it is stationary. The recall includes a wide range of BMW models, including SUVs and sedans.

Affected vehicles include the 2019-2022 Z4, 2020-2022 X3 and X4, and various 3, 4, and 5 Series models. Notably, approximately 1,500 Toyota Supra vehicles are also included. The Supra is manufactured by BMW for Toyota.

Phased Repair Schedule and Owner Actions

BMW is planning a phased repair schedule due to parts availability. The automaker will need to replace the defective starter relay in all recalled vehicles. This repair will be performed at no cost to the owner.

Interim notification letters will be mailed to owners starting November 14. On that same date, owners can check the NHTSA website using their VIN to confirm inclusion. A second notice will be sent once the replacement parts are ready for installation at dealerships.

Owners with immediate questions are encouraged to contact BMW customer service directly. They can also call the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline for more information. Taking prompt action is essential for safety.

This BMW fire risk recall demands immediate attention from owners. Verifying your vehicle’s status is a simple but critical step. Ensuring your car is repaired eliminates this serious safety threat.

Info at your fingertips

Which specific BMW models are affected by this recall?

The recall includes the 2019-2022 Z4, 2019-2021 330i, 2020-2022 X3, X4, and 530i, and the 2021-2022 430i. The 2022 230i and certain Toyota Supra models are also included. A full list is available on the NHTSA website.

Is it safe to drive my BMW if it is part of this recall?

The primary warning is to park the vehicle outside and away from structures. While a fire could occur while driving, the main concern is the vehicle being unattended. Owners should proceed with caution and schedule the repair as soon as possible.

What should I do if I own one of these recalled vehicles?

First, check if your vehicle is included using the NHTSA VIN lookup tool after November 14. Then, park your car outdoors away from your home or garage. Finally, wait for the second notice from BMW indicating that repair parts are available.

How long will the repair take, and what is the cost?

All safety recall repairs are performed at no cost to the vehicle owner. The actual repair time is expected to be relatively short. However, owners may experience a wait due to the phased parts distribution.

Why are Toyota Supra vehicles included in a BMW recall?

The current-generation Toyota Supra is developed and manufactured by BMW. The vehicles share many components, including the engine and electrical parts implicated in this specific recall. Therefore, the same defect applies to these models.

Trusted Sources

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Associated Press, Reuters.