German automaker BMW issues a global recall for a mid-six-figure number of vehicles due to a faulty engine starter that poses a potential fire hazard
FRANKFURT: German carmaker BMW is recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide due to a potential fire risk linked to a faulty engine starter.
A company spokesman confirmed the global recall would affect a “mid-six-figure number” of cars.
The recall targets 16 models equipped with a specific starter produced between July 2020 and July 2022. BMW stated the electromagnet in these starters could show excessive wear over time.
Following customer complaints and vehicle inspections, the company determined the starter could become defective. A short circuit in the electromagnet cannot be ruled out, which may lead to local overheating.
“In the worst case, this can lead to a vehicle fire while driving,” the company added in a statement.
BMW will write to owners to arrange for the replacement of the potentially faulty starters. The carmaker also issued a safety recommendation for affected vehicles.
“BMW AG recommends that after starting the engine – especially after remote engine start – the vehicle should not be left unattended with the engine running,” the statement said.
The spokesman indicated the latest recall would have little to no impact on BMW’s earnings. This issue follows a major recall in 2024, where BMW recalled 1.5 million vehicles over faulty brakes supplied by Continental.
That earlier recall resulted in a financial hit worth hundreds of millions of euros and forced the company to cut its outlook. The industry publication kfz-betrieb first reported on the new starter-related recall.
