BMW Recalls 331,000 Cars Over Fire Risk, Warns Owners to Park Outside
<p><strong>Munich, September 27, 2025</strong> – German automaker <strong>BMW AG</strong> has announced a sweeping recall of more than <strong>331,000 vehicles worldwide</strong> after identifying a defect in the <strong>starter motor</strong> that poses a risk of fire. The company has urged all affected owners to <strong>park their cars outdoors and away from buildings</strong> until repairs are carried out.</p><h3>What Triggered the Recall?</h3><p>The defect, confirmed through internal investigations and regulatory filings, affects multiple BMW models manufactured between <strong>2015 and 2021</strong>.</p><p>According to reports from <strong>Bloomberg</strong>, the issue arises when <strong>water leaks into the starter motor</strong>, leading to corrosion. This corrosion can trigger a <strong>short circuit</strong>, which in turn could cause the <strong>engine or vehicle to catch fire</strong>. The fire risk is not limited to when the car is running; incidents could occur <strong>while parked</strong> as well.</p><h3>Immediate Safety Advice</h3><p>BMW, working with the <strong>US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)</strong>, has issued strong warnings to car owners:</p><p><strong>Do not park affected cars in garages, carports, or near structures.</strong></p><p><strong>Only park vehicles outdoors in well-ventilated areas.</strong></p><p><strong>Avoid unnecessary use of the car until it is repaired.</strong></p><p>The company has confirmed that <strong>repairs will be offered free of charge</strong>, including full replacement of the faulty starter motor and, where necessary, the vehicle’s battery.</p><h3>Scope of the Recall</h3><p>So far, BMW has confirmed the following figures:</p><p><strong>195,000 vehicles in the United States</strong></p><p><strong>136,000 vehicles in Germany</strong></p><p><strong>Global total: 331,000+ vehicles</strong> (full breakdown still pending)</p><p>The recall also affects about <strong>1,469 Toyota Supra models</strong>, which were manufactured by BMW under a partnership with Toyota.</p><p>BMW has said that <strong>interim notices</strong> will be sent to car owners from <strong>November 14, 2025</strong>, followed by <strong>detailed letters</strong> once replacement parts become available.</p><h3>Models Affected</h3><p>The following popular models fall under the recall:</p><p><strong>2019–2022 BMW Z4</strong></p><p><strong>2019–2021 BMW 330i</strong></p><p><strong>2020–2022 BMW X3 and X4</strong></p><p><strong>2020–2022 BMW 530i</strong></p><p><strong>2021–2022 BMW 430i (standard and convertible)</strong></p><p><strong>2022 BMW 230i</strong></p><p><strong>2020–2022 Toyota Supra</strong></p><h3>Not BMW’s First Fire Recall</h3><p>BMW has grappled with similar fire-related issues in the past. In <strong>2018</strong>, regulators in <strong>South Korea</strong> fined the company <strong>$10 million</strong> after at least <strong>50 BMW vehicles caught fire</strong> in a single year. Investigations revealed that BMW had delayed action in recalling <strong>172,000 cars</strong>.</p><p>In <strong>2023</strong>, the company recalled more than <strong>1.5 million vehicles</strong> worldwide over <strong>braking system defects</strong>, a move that dented its earnings and investor confidence.</p><h3>Financial and Brand Impact</h3><p>This latest recall comes at a critical juncture for BMW. The company is heavily investing in its <strong>Neue Klasse electric vehicle platform</strong>, which includes advanced <strong>battery technology, AI-driven software, and high-performance computing systems</strong>.</p><p>The recall could slow BMW’s progress in the <strong>EV transition</strong>, especially as the brand faces intensifying competition from <strong>Chinese automakers like BYD</strong>. These rivals are rapidly gaining traction not only in China but also across <strong>Europe</strong>, where BMW has traditionally been strong.</p><p>Market analysts suggest that recurring recalls may affect BMW’s reputation for reliability. While the company has promised <strong>swift corrective measures</strong>, the financial costs could be significant, especially if global repair programs drag on.</p><h3>Customer Guidance</h3><p>BMW has set up dedicated hotlines and online portals for customers to check whether their vehicles are affected. Owners are advised to:</p><p><strong>Check their vehicle identification number (VIN)</strong> on BMW’s recall website.</p><p><strong>Contact local dealerships</strong> for free repairs as soon as parts become available.</p><p><strong>Follow parking safety instructions</strong> until repairs are complete.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>BMW’s recall of <strong>331,000 cars</strong> underscores the growing challenges automakers face in balancing complex engineering, safety, and rapid technological evolution. For affected customers, the message is clear: <strong>park outside, stay cautious, and wait for repairs.</strong></p><p>With <strong>fire safety at stake</strong>, BMW’s handling of this recall will be closely watched worldwide.</p>