BMW Recalls 575,000 Vehicles Globally As Faulty Starter Motors Pose Fire Risks

German carmaker BMW has launched a major global recall involving hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a technical fault that could lead to engine fires.

The manufacturer confirmed on Wednesday, 11 February, that a defect in the engine starter motor poses a significant safety hazard.

Internal product checks and customer complaints revealed that the component can fail, potentially resulting in a vehicle fire in the most extreme cases.

Scope of the Recall

While BMW has not officially confirmed the exact number of affected cars—stating only that the figure is in the “six-figure” range—reports from trade magazine Kfz-Betrieb suggest as many as 575,000 vehicles are involved worldwide.

The recall covers sixteen different models equipped with a specific starter relay produced between July 2020 and July 2022.

The company noted that vehicles which received a replacement starter during subsequent repairs may also be affected.

Technical Failure and Safety Advice

Engineers identified that “wear and tear” on a starter component can occur after a high number of engine starts.

This wear can prevent the car from starting correctly and, in some instances, lead to a short circuit.

“This can result in local overheating at the starter which, in the worst case, can lead to a vehicle fire,” a BMW spokesperson told AFP.

Until the necessary repairs are made, BMW has issued a specific warning to owners: do not leave vehicles unattended after starting the engine.

Remedial Action

To resolve the issue, BMW will replace the starter motor on all potentially affected vehicles. Some models will also require a new battery to ensure compatibility with the updated starter component.

Financial Outlook

This latest safety setback follows a massive recall in late 2024 involving 1.5 million vehicles due to braking system defects, an event that forced the company to lower its annual targets.

However, a spokesperson suggested this current recall is expected to have “little to no impact” on the group’s financial results.

Source: Defi Media