BMW Recall Fire Risk Vehicles: Nearly 200,000 Models Affected as Authorities Warn Drivers to Park Outside
BMW has issued a large-scale recall in the United States, impacting almost 200,000 vehicles after safety regulators flagged a serious fire risk. The company and the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed that a defective engine starter relay could corrode, overheat, and potentially ignite, even when cars are parked and turned off. Owners have been urged to park their cars outside and away from buildings until repairs are completed.

BMW Recall 2025 and the Scale of the Safety Hazard
The bmw recall fire risk vehicles alert covers 196,355 units, spanning multiple models produced between 2019 and 2022. According to NHTSA, moisture intrusion into the starter relay assembly can cause corrosion, leading to overheating and electrical short circuits. In extreme cases, this defect could trigger an engine fire, regardless of whether the car is in use.
In addition to BMW’s own models, nearly 1,500 Toyota Supra units are also affected due to shared engine components.
List of BMW Models Included in the Recall
BMW has released details about the specific cars impacted. Below is a table summarizing the affected models and production years:
BMW Model | Model Years Affected |
---|---|
BMW 330i | 2019–2021 |
BMW Z4 | 2019–2022 |
BMW X3 | 2020–2022 |
BMW X4 | 2020–2022 |
BMW 530i | 2020–2022 |
BMW 430i (incl. convertible) | 2021–2022 |
BMW 230i | 2022 |
Toyota Supra | 2020–2022 |
This broad range of models means tens of thousands of American drivers could be at risk if repairs are not carried out promptly.
BMW Engine Fire Risk and NHTSA Safety Warnings
NHTSA has taken the unusual step of advising owners to avoid parking indoors or near other vehicles. The agency stressed that the fire risk exists even when the car is switched off.
Key safety concerns include:
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Potential engine fires when parked.
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Electrical short circuits caused by corroded relays.
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Higher danger if cars are parked inside garages or close to homes.
Owners who have already paid for repairs linked to this issue may qualify for reimbursement once BMW begins its official repair program.
Recall Process, Repair Timeline, and BMW’s Official Response
BMW has announced that interim recall notices will be mailed to affected drivers starting November 14, 2025. Once replacement parts are available, dealerships will install new starter relays at no cost.
Steps owners should take:
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Check eligibility by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall website.
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Follow the agency’s advice and park outdoors until repairs are complete.
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Schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW service center once official notices arrive.
Previous Fire Risk Issues and BMW’s Recall History
This is not the first time the automaker has faced scrutiny for fire hazards. In 2024, BMW recalled more than 720,000 vehicles over water pump connector defects that could also cause electrical shorts and fires. The current recall adds to growing concerns about the durability of BMW’s electrical systems in recent years.
Toyota Supra Recall Linked to the Same Defect
The inclusion of Toyota Supra recall vehicles highlights the shared engineering between BMW and Toyota. The Supra, built with BMW’s B48 engine and components, faces identical risks from the faulty starter relay. Supra owners will also be notified and provided with free repairs at authorized dealerships.
How to Stay Safe While Waiting for Repairs
Drivers of bmw recall fire risk vehicles should take immediate precautions:
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Always park outside and away from homes or garages.
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Monitor for recall notices and updates from BMW or NHTSA.
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Keep documentation for any prior repairs in case reimbursement is offered.
Why the BMW X3 Recall and Related Models Matter
The BMW X3 recall, along with the X4, 3-Series, and other luxury models, shows how widespread the issue is across BMW’s portfolio. These vehicles are among BMW’s most popular in the U.S., meaning the fire risk affects a significant customer base.
NHTSA BMW Recall Alert and Owner Guidance
The NHTSA BMW recall announcement underlines the importance of acting quickly. Owners should not ignore the warnings, as the risks extend beyond personal safety to property damage if vehicles ignite near homes.
BMW has committed to free repairs and owner support, but until the remedy is available, the safest step is strict adherence to the park outside directive.