BMW Recalls Nearly 200,000 Cars In US Over Fire Risk, Warns Owners To Park Outside Homes

BMW is recalling nearly two lakh vehicles in the United States over a critical engine‑starter defect that could lead to overheating, short circuits, and possible fire hazards. The recall, announced by

US safety regulators, also comes with urgent warnings for owners to park their cars outdoors until repairs are completed.

CNN reported that according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem lies in the engine starter relay, which, if it corrodes, can malfunction. The corrosion can lead to overheating or short circuits, elevating the risk of fires whether the car is parked or driving.

The affected models include various BMW sedans and SUVs (such as the 230i, 330i, 430i, X3, X4, Z4, 530i) from model years between 2019 and 2022. Certain Toyota Supras that share the same engine components have also been pulled into the recall.

While BMW has committed to replacing the defective starter relays at no charge to owners, regulators advise that until the vehicle has been repaired, owners park the cars outdoors, away from buildings or other vehicles, to reduce fire risk.

Reuters reported that official recall notices will begin going out on November 14 this year after which owners can visit authorised BMW dealerships to get replacements for the flawed starter component—free of charge. BMW also states that owners who already paid for repairs due to this issue could qualify for reimbursement.

BMW has previously recalled vehicles for fire risk related to starter motors or electrical faults. For instance, in 2024, the company recalled over 7,20,000 vehicles worldwide due to water pump connection issues that could short-circuit and spark fires.

The timing of the recall is particularly significant for BMW as the company pushes forward with major investments in its Neue Klasse electric vehicle range. The German automaker is facing intensifying competition from Chinese rivals like BYD, making reliability even more crucial. Just last year, BMW had to recall 1.5 million vehicles due to issues with braking systems—a setback that played a role in triggering a profit warning.