BMW Initiates Recall Due to Fire Risk from Faulty Starter Component

BMW has announced a recall affecting a significant number of its vehicles due to a potential fire hazard linked to a defective starter component. The issue centers on the starter's solenoid switch, where excessive metal abrasion may occur after a high number of engine starts. This abrasion can result in short circuits, which in turn may lead to overheating and, in severe cases, cause a vehicle fire.

According to the manufacturer, the recall applies to models where either a starter relay was retrofitted or a starter produced between July 2020 and July 2022 was installed. The affected vehicles include a wide range of BMW models, such as certain 2 Series (G42), 3 Series (G20 and G21), 4 Series (G22, G23, G26), 5 Series (G30, G31), 6 Series (G32), 7 Series (G11, G12), X3 (G01), X4 (G02), X5 (G05), X6 (G06), and Z4 (G29) models built across various years, primarily from 2017 to 2025. Approximately 28,600 vehicles are impacted in Germany alone.

BMW has identified the fault during internal quality checks and has advised vehicle owners to avoid leaving their cars running unattended after starting the engine. This precaution is intended to reduce the risk of fire in the event of a malfunction. The company has provided a dedicated webpage where owners can check whether their vehicle is affected by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN).

Currently, the recall has not yet been listed in the official database of the German Federal Motor Transport Authority, but the manufacturer has assigned specific internal reference numbers for tracking purposes. Affected owners will be contacted directly by BMW, and authorized dealerships will conduct free repairs or component replacements to resolve the safety issue.

The recall encompasses models across multiple years and series, reflecting BMW's broad spectrum of vehicles potentially at risk. The following series and production years are noted to be involved:

  • BMW 2 Series (G42, since 2021)
  • BMW 3 Series (G20, G21, since 2019)
  • BMW 4 Series (G22, G23, G26, since 2020)
  • BMW 5 Series (G30, G31, 2017-2024)
  • BMW 6 Series (G32, 2017-2023)
  • BMW 7 Series (G11, G12, 2015-2022)
  • BMW X3 (G01, 2017-2025)
  • BMW X4 (G02, 2018-2025)
  • BMW X5 (G05, since 2018)
  • BMW X6 (G06, since 2019)
  • BMW Z4 (G29, since 2018)

BMW emphasizes the importance of addressing this issue promptly to ensure driver and passenger safety. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicles as soon as possible and follow the manufacturer's guidance. More information and updates will be provided by BMW as the recall progresses, and owners are advised to stay informed through official channels.

This recall is part of BMW's ongoing commitment to maintaining high safety standards and minimizing risks associated with manufacturing defects. The company continues to monitor its vehicles and production processes to identify and rectify any issues that could compromise safety or reliability.