Washington, D.C. — September 26, 2025
In a major safety development, BMW of North America has announced the recall of more than 196,000 vehicles across the United States due to a defect that poses a serious fire risk. Federal regulators and the automaker are urging owners to take immediate precautions.
The Safety Risk
According to filings with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect stems from a starter relay component that may corrode when exposed to moisture. This corrosion can cause overheating, short circuits, or even engine compartment fires.
Officials warn that the fire hazard exists both while the vehicle is being driven and when it is parked, prompting NHTSA to issue a rare “park outside” advisory until repairs are complete.
Vehicles Affected
The recall covers a wide range of popular BMW models, primarily from 2019 to 2022:
- 2019–2021 BMW 330i
- 2019–2022 BMW Z4
- 2020–2022 BMW 530i, X3, X4
- 2021–2022 BMW 430i sedan and convertible
- 2022 BMW 230i
Additionally, about 1,469 Toyota Supras built during 2020–2022 are also included, since they share the same BMW-designed engine system and starter relay.
Guidance for Owners
NHTSA is advising affected owners to park their vehicles outdoors, away from homes, garages, or other vehicles to reduce potential fire damage.
Repairs will be carried out free of charge at BMW dealerships. The company will replace the faulty starter relay, but due to supply chain constraints, the rollout will occur in phases.
Timeline & Notifications
- Owner letters are scheduled to be mailed beginning November 14, 2025.
- Drivers will be able to check their VIN numbers on the NHTSA recall website to confirm whether their car is affected.
- BMW has stated that owners who previously paid out-of-pocket for similar repairs may qualify for reimbursement.
Broader Context
This recall adds to a string of recent safety challenges for BMW. In 2024, the company recalled more than 720,000 vehicles over a separate water pump defect that also posed a fire hazard.
Safety analysts note that the recurrence of fire-related recalls underscores the need for greater scrutiny of electrical and starter components in modern vehicles.
BMW’s Statement
In a statement, BMW said customer safety is its “highest priority” and reassured owners that vehicles will be repaired as quickly as possible. The automaker is cooperating closely with NHTSA to ensure compliance and transparency throughout the process.
