A recall alert has been issued to nearly 200,000 BMW cars in the United States because of a defect in the engine starter relay. If your car is among those affected, it could be at risk of catching fire. The government is warning against parking inside your garage or near buildings and treating the issue as urgent.
As a result of an engine starter relay defect, overheating, short circuits, and fire are potential dangers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published a notice to car owners highlighting these potential dangers.
How it Started
This safety alert has led to a recall affecting 196,355 vehicles in the U.S, including some of BMW’s most popular models manufactured between 2019 and 2022. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short-circuit.
The malfunction poses a serious fire risk for cars, not only while driving but also when the engine has been turned off.
Additionally, nearly 1,500 Toyota Supras, which share the same components as BMW Z4s, were recalled.
Affected Car Models
The recall issued by NHTSA affected different types of BMW models. These are the car models included in the recall and the year of manufacture:
- BMW 330i manufactured between 2019-2021
- BMW Z4 manufactured between 2019-2022
- BMW 530i, X3, and X4 manufactured between 2020-2022
- BMW 430i and 430i convertible, manufactured between 2021-2022
- BMW 230i manufactured in 2022
- Toyota Supra, manufactured in 2020-2022
What Drivers Need to Know
The starter relay may corrode when exposed to moisture. In other cases, the corrosion can lead to overheating and damage to electrical circuits in the car, which may result in a fire breaking out hours after it has been parked. As a result, the government warns car owners to park outside their garages.
So far, no injuries or accidents related to the defect have been reported. However, federal safety officials describe the risks as serious and too dangerous to overlook.
BMW’s Recent Global Recall
The recall is limited to America only, as another 136500 BMW vehicles are being recalled in Germany. Other models worldwide are undergoing inspection and repair. Most of the affected models were manufactured between 2015 and 2021. Some high-performance models used a different starter motor supplier, which exempts them from this recall. Moreover, a single part failure can affect other models across continents.
BMW’s Response and Guidance for Owners
Owners of affected cars will soon receive recall notifications of the defect. Owners can also check the status of their car online before the official notification is received. Visit NHTSA.gov/recalls and enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Car owners are advised to take their cars for a check-up at BMW dealers. Dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge.
Owners of the affected vehicles are advised to park their cars outside and away from houses and garages until they are fixed. Those affected can contact BMW directly at 1-800-525-7417
Conclusion
The recall highlights why federal oversight is critical for all American drivers. The defect is so small that without close supervision by the NHTSA, it could have gone unnoticed. Due tothe amount of technology invested in modern vehicles, it’s important to know that a single defective component can lead to catastrophic risks.
By acting early, NHTSA aims to protect consumers from sudden financial and safety shocks and reduce the possibility of garage fires.
Expect more recalls in the future since the motor market has become dependent on other brands for parts and shared technology. Therefore, a single defect in a single brand can easily affect other car models that share the defective component.
This is a reminder for car owners to stay vigilant and proactive about safety notices.