BMW has announced a recall of more than 196,000 vehicles in the United States due to a defect in the engine starter relay that could lead to fire. The recall, disclosed on September 26, 2025, follows safety concerns raised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Owners are advised to park affected vehicles outdoors until repairs are completed.
BMW Recalls Over 196000 Cars From the US
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Vehicles affected | 196,355 BMW cars and SUVs |
| Risk identified | Corrosion in starter relay may trigger overheating or fire |
| Models impacted | 2019–2022 Z4; 2019–2021 330i; 2020–2022 X3, X4, 530i; 2021–2022 430i; 2022 230i |
| Related vehicles | 1,469 Toyota Supras with identical starter relay |
| Owner notifications | Begin November 14, 2025 |
Why the Recall Matters
The defect involves starter relays that can corrode when exposed to moisture. According to NHTSA, this corrosion increases the risk of overheating, short circuits, and potential vehicle fires. While no deaths or injuries have been reported, regulators emphasized that the hazard is serious enough to warrant immediate action.
Which Models Are Affected
The recall covers several BMW models built between 2019 and 2022, including:
- BMW Z4 (2019–2022)
- BMW 330i (2019–2021)
- BMW X3, X4, and 530i (2020–2022)
- BMW 430i and 430i Convertible (2021–2022)
- BMW 230i (2022)
In addition, Toyota Supras manufactured between 2020 and 2022 are included due to shared components. Approximately 1,469 Supras in the U.S. are subject to the recall.
Guidance for Owners
BMW and NHTSA strongly recommend that owners park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until repairs are completed.
BMW spokespersons confirmed that dealers will replace the faulty starter relays free of charge. The company will begin mailing owner notifications on November 14, 2025.
Owners can verify whether their vehicle is affected by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) at:
- BMW USA Recall Lookup
- NHTSA Recall Search Tool (available starting November 14, 2025)
Regulatory Oversight and Broader Context
Vehicle recalls of this scale are not uncommon, particularly when fire risks are involved. In recent years, Hyundai and Kia recalled over 3 million vehicles for similar concerns. Safety experts note that early identification and transparency are critical to preventing injuries and property damage.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, said in an interview that “proactive recalls are essential to keeping drivers safe, especially when fire hazards are present.”
Industry Impact
The recall may affect BMW’s reputation for reliability in the U.S. market. Analysts suggest that the company’s quick response could mitigate long-term damage, but the inclusion of Toyota Supras underscores the broader supply chain risks shared by automakers.
Industry observers expect increased scrutiny on starter relay designs across multiple manufacturers.
Looking Ahead
BMW has pledged full cooperation with U.S. regulators as the recall begins. While repairs are free of charge, owners are advised to check their VINs promptly and follow safety guidance until their vehicles are serviced.
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