German automaker BMW has announced a major global recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a potential fire risk linked to a defect in the engine starter system. The recall, described by BMW as impacting a “mid-six-figure number” of cars, stems from concerns that excessive wear in the starter’s components could lead to overheating and, in rare cases, a fire while the vehicle is running.
The company said it has identified the issue through customer complaints and product inspections. In a statement, BMW warned that the starter unit’s electromagnet can show excessive wear over time, which may lead to a short circuit and local overheating of the starter. In worst-case scenarios, this could cause a vehicle fire. The automaker advised owners not to leave their cars unattended after starting the engine, especially if using remote start functions.
Industry publication kfz-betrieb was among the first to report on the recall, with BMW confirming that the campaign will involve a significant number of models built between July 2020 and July 2022. The German carmaker said it will write to owners of affected vehicles to arrange replacement of the potentially defective starters free of charge.
Multiple news outlets including Reuters have estimated that about 575,000 vehicles worldwide could be part of the recall, although BMW has not publicly confirmed a precise global figure. The vehicles most likely affected include various series across the brand’s lineup, spanning sedans, coupes, and SUVs.
In addition to the global recall, BMW North America recently announced a separate action involving 87,394 vehicles registered in the United States. These models were also found to have engine starter units that could overheat and create a potential fire hazard. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said dealerships will replace the faulty parts at no cost as part of the safety campaign.
Safety advocates and automotive experts say the recall reflects the importance of rapid responses to potential fire risks in modern vehicles. While there have been no major reported injuries linked to this specific issue, recalls of this scale can prompt significant concern among owners and impact public perception of vehicle safety standards.
Owners of BMW cars are encouraged to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) using official manufacturer tools or national recall databases to confirm whether their car is included in the recall. Early action is key to ensuring that the starter issue is addressed before any serious incidents occur.
