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BMW Recall 2025: 200,000 Cars Pulled for Engine Starter Short Circuit Risk
BMW has once again found itself under scrutiny after announcing a massive recall of over 200,000 vehicles worldwide due to a potential engine starter defect that could cause an electrical short and even fires.
The announcement immediately triggered concern among car owners, as the brand had previously faced widespread criticism for engine fires linked to EGR cooler failures several years ago.
According to the recall notice filed with regulatory authorities, the affected vehicles include popular models such as the BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X3, and X4, produced between 2019 and 2022. In some regions, the recall even extends to the Toyota Supra, which shares certain BMW-developed components.
a potential engine starter defect |
1. The Root Cause: Engine Starter Relay Corrosion and Short Circuit
BMW engineers discovered that moisture intrusion or internal corrosion within the starter relay could lead to an electrical short.
In rare cases, this short circuit can generate excessive heat, causing plastic insulation or nearby wiring to ignite — even when the car’s ignition is off.
What makes this particularly concerning is that the fire risk persists even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
BMW has therefore urged all affected customers to avoid indoor parking, keeping their vehicles outdoors and away from other cars or structures until the repair is completed.
Although no confirmed injuries or major property damage have been reported so far, safety agencies have warned that drivers should not underestimate this risk.
engine starter |
2. Scale of the Recall and Affected Models
BMW’s recall affects approximately 200,000 vehicles worldwide, including:
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BMW 3 Series (G20, 330i)
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BMW 5 Series (G30, 530i)
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BMW X3 and X4 crossovers
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Certain 2022 Toyota Supra models
The company has promised to contact affected owners individually and provide free repairs.
Service centers will replace the faulty starter relay and inspect related electrical components to ensure no further damage.
Some reports indicate that, as investigations expand, the total number of recalled units could rise beyond 300,000 globally, making this one of BMW’s largest recalls since 2018.
2022BMW330i |
2021BMWX-3 |
3. Déjà Vu: Remembering BMW’s 2018 Fire Crisis
This new recall inevitably brings back memories of BMW’s 2018 EGR cooler crisis, when more than 170,000 vehicles were recalled in South Korea due to engine fires caused by coolant leaks.
At that time, public outrage was so severe that BMW executives had to publicly apologize, and Korean authorities temporarily banned some models from being driven.
Although BMW strengthened its quality control protocols in the years since,
the recurrence of another fire-related defect raises serious questions about the company’s long-term reliability and risk management systems.
4. What BMW Owners Should Do Right Now
Here’s a practical checklist for owners who might be affected:
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Check if your vehicle is part of the recall.
Visit BMW’s official recall site or the NHTSA database and enter your VIN number. -
Do not park indoors until repairs are complete.
Park outdoors and away from flammable materials to minimize risk. -
Look out for warning signs.
Burning smells, electrical noise, or smoke from the engine bay can indicate relay malfunction. -
Book a service appointment early.
BMW dealerships expect heavy demand, and parts availability may vary by region. -
Document everything.
Keeping records of communication and service reports helps if future compensation issues arise.
5. Why This Matters: A Broader Warning for the Auto Industry
This latest BMW recall is not just an isolated incident — it highlights the growing challenges of modern car design.
As vehicles rely more heavily on complex electrical systems, even a small component failure can lead to catastrophic consequences.
Automotive safety experts say that automakers must tighten quality control on electronic parts, especially as EVs and hybrid systems introduce higher voltage circuits.
In BMW’s case, the company’s reputation for precision engineering is once again being tested, not for performance, but for safety.
Conclusion: A Crucial Moment for BMW’s Reputation
BMW has publicly stated that customer safety remains its top priority,
but consumers’ trust may take time to recover.
For many drivers, the question is not just whether their cars will be fixed —
but whether BMW has truly learned from its past mistakes.
If you drive a BMW manufactured between 2019 and 2022,
you’re strongly advised to check your recall status immediately and schedule the repair at your nearest authorized service center.
When it comes to fire risks, proactive caution is far better than regret later.
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