The recall covers several plug-in hybrid BMW models from 2016 through 2020 after investigators found that water intrusion could corrode an electrical relay, cause overheating and potentially ignite a vehicle even when parked with the ignition off.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
BMW of North America is recalling 29,119 vehicles because a potentially defective engine starter relay may corrode, short-circuit and overheat, creating a fire risk while the vehicle is being driven or sitting parked.
The automaker is advising affected owners to park outside and away from buildings until repairs are completed, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report dated July 14.
The recall covers certain 2018 through 2020 BMW 530e xDrive models, 2017 through 2019 740Le xDrive vehicles, 2018 through 2020 530e iPerformance models and 2016 through 2018 330e iPerformance vehicles.
BMW dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners.
Notification letters are expected to be mailed Aug. 28. Vehicle identification numbers included in the recall are also expected to become searchable through NHTSA beginning that day.
Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and reference recall number 26V441.
The problem involves the electrical relay within the engine starter. According to the federal report, water may reach the relay and cause corrosion over time.
That corrosion can weaken the electrical connection and interfere with the vehicle’s ability to start.
In more serious cases, the damaged relay may produce a short circuit and cause the starter to overheat.
NHTSA said that in an “extreme case,” the overheating could cause a fire while the vehicle is operating or while it is parked with the ignition switched off.
Because the risk is not limited to vehicles that are running, BMW is directing owners to keep affected models outside and separated from homes, garages and other structures until the starter has been replaced.
The latest action is connected to an earlier BMW recall identified as 25V636.
During that campaign, the automaker determined that potentially affected vehicles contained an engine starter built with a particular production configuration.
BMW received a field report in December 2025 involving a 2018 BMW 5 Series in the United States, along with reports concerning several other models. The initial investigation did not produce a conclusive explanation, prompting the company to reexamine the earlier findings.
From January through April, investigators collected nearly 150 starters returned from vehicles in the field.
The components were disassembled, tested and evaluated to determine whether corrosion or other damage could produce the reported conditions.
BMW continued its technical analysis during May and June.
The investigation also examined vehicle assembly records and supplier production information to determine which vehicles may have received starters produced under the affected configuration and when those components were manufactured.
As of July 1, BMW had not received reports of crashes or injuries connected to the starter relay defect.
The automaker also said it was not aware of any accidents resulting from the condition.
The BMW announcement follows another recent automotive recall involving a warning to park affected vehicles outdoors.
Kia America recalled more than 462,000 vehicles because power seat motors in certain Telluride models could overheat and create a fire hazard.
Kia had received several reports of fires developing beneath passenger seats. The company said required repairs and replacement parts would be provided without charge.
A separate recall announced the same day by Subaru of America affects 541,237 vehicles carrying an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating on their certification labels.
The incorrect rating could cause owners to overload a vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash, according to the NHTSA report.
Subaru’s recall includes certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles, 2025 and 2026 Forester and Forester Hybrid models, and 2019 through 2026 Ascent vehicles.
Subaru will mail corrected certification labels to affected owners at no cost. Owners may also choose to have a dealership install the replacement label free of charge.
Subaru notification letters are expected to be mailed Aug. 25.
Affected owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall number WRH026.
For BMW owners, the immediate safety recommendation is to park affected vehicles outdoors and away from structures until a dealer completes the starter replacement.
The repair will be available without charge after owners receive recall notifications and dealers obtain the necessary replacement components.
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