OMM Newsroom
BMW is recalling more than 720,000 vehicles in the United States because of a fire risk, AnewZ reports. The recall follows 10 fires involving vehicles that had previously been repaired for the same defect.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the latest recall concerns a potentially faulty electrical connector on the water pump and covers 720,796 vehicles.
The vehicles were also recalled for the same issue in 2024, but the earlier repair did not eliminate the fire risk. The regulator advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles, until repairs are completed.
Models covered by the recall
According to NHTSA, the electrical connector on the water pump may not be properly sealed. Water could enter the connector, causing a short circuit and a fire.
BMW has not developed a permanent fix. The company said it is aware of 10 fires that may be related to the defect. All occurred in vehicles that had already been repaired under the 2024 recall.
The following vehicles on NHTSA’s list should be parked outdoors until repaired:
- 2012–2016 BMW 3 Series
- 2012–2016 BMW 5 Series
- 2012–2015 BMW X1
- 2012–2016 BMW Z4
- 2013–2017 BMW X3
- 2014–2016 BMW 2 Series coupé
- 2014–2016 BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon
- 2014–2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
- 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series convertible
- 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series coupé
- 2015–2016 BMW 2 Series convertible
- 2015–2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé
- 2015–2018 BMW X4
- 2016–2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e
BMW has issued other fire-risk recalls
The latest recall adds to a series of safety issues involving fire risks at the German automaker.
In February, BMW recalled hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide over a separate fire risk linked to the starter motor. The Munich-based automaker said inspections and customer complaints had revealed excessive wear from repeated use of the starter motor’s magnetic switch.
The defect could make it difficult or impossible to start the vehicle and, in serious cases, cause overheating and a fire while the engine was running. German automotive publication kfz-betrieb reported that about 575,000 vehicles across several model lines were affected worldwide. BMW confirmed that 28,582 vehicles were recalled in Germany but did not provide a full global breakdown.
That recall covered vehicles manufactured between July 2020 and July 2022. The list included some versions of the 2 Series Coupé, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series and 7 Series sedans, as well as the 6 Series Gran Turismo, X4, X5, X6 and Z4. BMW advised owners not to leave the engine running unattended until repairs were completed.
Another major recall was announced in September 2025, covering vehicles manufactured from September 2015 through 2021. The campaign concerned a different defect in the starter system: water could enter the system and cause corrosion, creating a fire risk even when the engine was switched off.
