BMW has issued an urgent safety recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles worldwide, after discovering a fault that could lead to engine starting problems and, in the worst-case scenario, a car fire.
The recall includes several popular BMW models sold in the UK, with affected vehicles mainly built between July 2020 and July 2022.
The warning matters because the issue involves a key electrical component, and BMW has advised drivers to take precautions until repairs are completed.
What has BMW said about the recall?
BMW confirmed it is recalling a “mid-six-figure” number of vehicles after inspections and customer complaints revealed a defect in the starter motor.
The company said wear in the starter motor’s magnetic switch could make the vehicle harder or impossible to start. More seriously, BMW warned that a short circuit cannot be ruled out, which could cause overheating.
BMW stated that: “It was determined that the starter of the engine in the identified vehicles could become defective. In addition, a short circuit in the electromagnet cannot be ruled out.
As a result, local overheating of the starter may occur. In the worst case, this can lead to a vehicle fire while driving.”
BMW also described a fire as the worst-case scenario if the fault occurs.
Why are BMW recalls happening now?
The recall follows a rise in reports linked to the starter motor problem. BMW explained that the defect becomes more likely after a high number of engine starts, which increases wear and tear in the starter’s internal switch system.
This means drivers who use their cars frequently, especially for short trips, may be more likely to experience symptoms.
While BMW has not confirmed how many incidents have occurred, the company said product checks and customer feedback triggered the recall decision.
Which BMW models are affected by the fire risk recall?
Reports indicate that around 575,000 BMW vehicles worldwide may be impacted.
The affected cars include several best-selling models, including:
- BMW 2 Series Coupe
- BMW 3 Series
- BMW 4 Series
- BMW 5 Series
- BMW 7 Series
- BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo
- BMW X4
- BMW X5
- BMW X6
- BMW Z4
BMW has not yet confirmed a final breakdown for the UK market publicly, but the models listed are all common on British roads.
What should BMW drivers do right now?
BMW has issued clear safety advice while owners wait for repairs.
The company recommends that drivers:
- Do not leave the car unattended with the engine running
- Take extra care when using remote engine start
- Book the recall repair as soon as BMW contacts them
This advice is especially important because overheating could occur without warning if the starter motor fault develops.
How will BMW fix the recalled vehicles?
BMW has said it will contact affected owners directly and arrange repairs.
The company plans to:
- Replace the faulty starter motor
- In some cases, replace and reprogram the battery to match the new starter
The repair is expected to take around two hours, depending on the vehicle and dealership workload.
Importantly, recall work will be completed free of charge.
How serious is the fire risk for UK motorists?
A vehicle fire remains a rare outcome, but BMW’s warning highlights that the risk exists if the fault develops.
In most cases, the driver may first notice symptoms such as:
- Slow or weak engine start
- Clicking sounds when starting
- Engine failing to start at all
However, BMW’s concern is that an electrical fault could cause overheating, and overheating can lead to fire if it spreads to surrounding components.
That is why BMW has taken the step of recalling such a large number of vehicles.
How does this affect BMW’s reputation in the UK market?
BMW remains one of the most popular car brands in Britain.
In January, the company recorded 8,099 new car sales in the UK, making it the third-highest selling manufacturer behind Kia and Volkswagen.
However, its UK sales dropped 12.58% year-on-year compared with the same month last year, even though BMW still holds around 5.62% market share.
A recall of this size could raise concerns among buyers, particularly because it involves a safety issue linked to fire risk.
