BMW is recalling over 145,000 vehicles due to a potential fire risk from an overheated starter.
“This safety recall involves the engine starter. In certain cases, the engine starter may not start the vehicle properly. These improper starting attempts could result in local overheating of the engine starter,” a recall notice read.
BMW recalling 145K cars over fire risk from engine defect — its second recall this week https://t.co/7Vt8ih3bLV pic.twitter.com/ClSgQhHD61
— NY Post Business (@nypostbiz) October 1, 2025
Reuters has more:
The issue affects vehicles across 2020 340I, X7, and X5 models, the auto safety regulator said.
BMW dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge, NHTSA said in the notice.
Earlier this week, NHTSA said that BMW would recall over 196,000 vehicles in the U.S. over an engine starter issue that could lead to overheating and short circuit.
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“BMW is issuing a park outside recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles from model years 2019–2022 due to a risk of fire when parked or driving,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) wrote last week.
❗CONSUMER ALERT: BMW is issuing a park outside recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles from model years 2019–2022 due to a risk of fire when parked or driving.❗
More: https://t.co/0healkQ9U1 pic.twitter.com/5Mn3FImvRf
— nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) September 26, 2025
The Hill noted:
NHTSA said that in some cases, the engine starter might not start the car properly, which could lead to the local overheating of the engine starter.
“If the starter overheats, locally, during these starting situations, the engine acoustic protection material can be ignited if contaminated,” NHTSA said. “In rare cases, this could lead to a thermal event while driving or shortly after parking, if the vehicle had a starting event shortly before being parked.”
The engine starter will be swapped with a new one with a different design. Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to take their cars to an authorized BMW dealer to address the issue.
Read the full recall notice HERE.
In related news, Kia recalled nearly 40,000 vehicles after discovering a faulty HVAC system that could increase the risk of fire.
“Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire,” a recall notice stated.
