Several BMW Models, and One Toyota, Recalled Over Fire Risk
An engine starter issue has led to a new safety recall affecting several BMW models along with the Toyota GR Supra. Nearly 200,000 vehicles are involved in the U.S. and another 17,766 in Canada.
Following an investigation that began in July 2024, it was discovered that, in some cases, water could contact the starter’s electrical relay and, over time, lead to corrosion. As a result, corrosion inside the starer relay could affect the electrical connection within the relay and the ability to start the engine.
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This could also lead to a short-circuit and possible overheating of the starter. In an extreme case, there could be a fire while driving or when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off, recall documents posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show.
The full list of models affected by this recall includes many BMW X3, X4, Z4, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series and 5 Series units, most of which cover the 2020-2022 model years, but also 2019 in some cases. The 2020-2022 Toyota GR Supra is part of the recall, too.
Neither BMW nor Toyota is aware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue to date. However, as a precautionary measure, owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is completed. In this case, we're talking about replacing the engine starter, pure and simple.
Affected owners will receive a notice by mail starting in mid-November. Those who have already had their starter replaced at their own expense may receive a refund.
Back in August 2024, BMW issued a recall for several of its most popular models due to another fire risk. No fewer than 78,000 units from 2012-2018 were affected in Canada alone.
The problem came from the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system, which could allow fluid to leak on the intake air hose and enter the electrical connector for the water pump. This could cause a short circuit and possibly lead to a fire.
