Hundreds of thousands of BMW owners worldwide have been affected by a major recall. The German manufacturer has confirmed a serious starter motor defect which, in extreme cases, could cause vehicles to catch fire.
The scale of the problem – Germany, USA and beyond
According to Die Welt, more than 136,000 BMWs in Germany and around 195,000 vehicles in the United States are affected. No official figures for the UK have yet been released, but experts warn that British drivers could also be impacted.
The recall includes cars built up to 10 years ago, both in Europe and Asia. BMW has announced that all affected customers will be notified directly about the need to visit an authorised service centre.
What’s behind the defect?
Investigations revealed that water can penetrate the starter motor, leading to corrosion. This can result in:
- engine starting failure,
- short circuits and overheating,
- in the worst scenario – a full vehicle fire.
While the probability of fire is relatively low, the potential risk is serious enough for the manufacturer and safety regulators to act quickly.
Warnings and recommendations
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US confirmed that affected models include BMWs manufactured between 2019 and 2022. The recall also covers the Toyota Supra (2020–2022), as the car shares major components with the BMW Z4.
The NHTSA strongly advises owners of affected cars to park them outdoors and away from other vehicles until the issue has been resolved. This precaution aims to reduce the potential damage in case of fire.
Check your BMW service history by VIN
In light of such recalls, it’s more important than ever to have a full record of your car’s maintenance. A BMW Service History Check by VIN confirms whether your vehicle has been serviced regularly, whether it has undergone recalls, and what repairs were carried out by official BMW centres.
This official PDF report not only verifies mileage and service records but also ensures that all safety-related actions – such as the current fire risk recall – are properly documented.
How to know if your BMW is affected?
- BMW will send official notifications to all affected owners.
- You can also check your VIN on BMW’s official website or NHTSA databases.
- Repairs at authorised service centres are free of charge, with BMW covering all costs.
What should UK drivers do?
Even without official UK numbers yet, British BMW owners with cars from 2019–2022 (and some older models) are advised to:
- Contact their local BMW dealer and verify their VIN status.
- Park outside until repairs are completed, following the NHTSA safety recommendation.
- Monitor official BMW and NHTSA announcements, as the recall list may expand. The list of specific models can be checked here.
Conclusion – Safety first
This recall highlights that even premium brands are not immune to critical safety defects. What matters most is a transparent response and quick corrective action – and BMW appears committed to both.
For owners, ignoring recall notices can be a costly and dangerous mistake. Ensuring your BMW’s service history is complete and up-to-date is essential not only for safety but also for maintaining resale value.
If in doubt – check your VIN and book your service immediately.