BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles globally due to a potential fire hazard stemming from a defect in the engine starter motor. The recall, announced on , affects a mid-six-figure number of cars, according to a company spokesperson, and includes vehicles across various series.
The issue centers around wear and tear in the magnetic switch of the starter motor after repeated use. This increased wear can make it difficult or impossible to start the vehicle, and, in a worst-case scenario, could lead to a fire. The problem was identified through product inspections and customer complaints, the spokesperson stated.
While the exact number of vehicles affected is still being finalized, reports indicate a substantial recall. Newspaper Bild initially reported on the recall, and specialist publication kfz-betrieb estimates a total of 575,000 vehicles are impacted. A similar, though smaller, recall occurred in , affecting nearly 200,000 vehicles in the United States due to the same starter motor issue, as reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The NHTSA notice advised owners of affected vehicles – specifically the 2019-2021 BMW 330i, 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2020-2022 BMW 530i, X3 and X4, 2020-2022 Toyota Supra, 2021-2022 BMW 430i and 430i Convertible, and 2022 BMW 230i – to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until a remedy was completed. Dealers were set to replace the engine starter free of charge, with owner notification letters scheduled to be mailed by .
This latest recall builds on previous issues. In , BMW recalled over 330,000 vehicles globally due to a defect in the starter motor, highlighting a recurring problem for the German automaker. The earlier recall stemmed from a short circuit in the starter relay potentially increasing the risk of fire.
The current global recall impacts several markets, including Belgium and the Netherlands. Dutch authorities reported that approximately 5,500 vehicles in the Netherlands are affected. Belgian authorities have also confirmed that several thousand vehicles within their borders are subject to the recall.
BMW has not yet provided a detailed breakdown of the affected models for this latest recall beyond stating it encompasses “various series.” The company has advised owners to await further instructions regarding the repair process. Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417 for more information.
This recall comes at a sensitive time for BMW, which has faced increased scrutiny over product quality in recent years. Costly product flaws and recalls can damage brand reputation and lead to significant financial burdens. The company will likely be keen to resolve this issue swiftly and efficiently to minimize further disruption and maintain customer confidence.
The scale of the recall suggests a potentially widespread manufacturing or design issue within the starter motor supply chain. Analysts will be watching closely to see if BMW identifies the root cause and implements preventative measures to avoid similar problems in the future. The financial implications of the recall, including the cost of replacement parts and labor, will be factored into BMW’s upcoming earnings reports.
For consumers, the recall underscores the importance of responding promptly to manufacturer notifications and adhering to safety recommendations. Parking affected vehicles outdoors and away from structures, as advised by NHTSA in the previous recall, is a crucial step in mitigating the risk of fire. Vehicle owners are encouraged to check the NHTSA website (nhtsa.gov) for updates and information specific to their vehicle’s VIN.
