BMW Recalls Nearly 30,000 Vehicles for Fire Risk, Issues ‘Park Outside’ Alert

The issue is caused by a potentially faulty engine starter relay that could corrode, overheat, and short-circuit, a report shows.

An electric-powered BMW iX xDrive 50 car during a media preview at the Auto Zurich Car Show in Zurich on Nov. 3, 2021. Arnd Wiegmann/Reuters

BMW of North America has issued a recall of 29,119 vehicles with a possible faulty engine starter relay that could corrode, overheat, and short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report on July 14.

The recall involves certain 2018–2020 530e xDrive, 2017–2019 740Le xDrive, 2018–2020 530e iPerformance, and 2016–2018 330e iPerformance models. As a result of possible corrosion of the engine starter relay and subsequent fire risk, the automaker is warning owners of these vehicles to park outside and away from structures.

Local dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge, and owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Aug. 28. In the meantime, owners of affected vehicles may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, using the recall number 26V441. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning Aug. 28.

The NHTSA report indicates that in some cases, water could come into contact with the starter’s electrical relay and, over time, lead to corrosion. That corrosion inside the starter relay could then affect the electrical connection and the ability to start the engine.

In other cases, a corroded starter relay could lead to a short circuit and possible overheating of the starter. The report notes that in an “extreme case,” this situation could cause a fire while the vehicle is in operation or even parked, with the ignition turned off.

According to the report, the issue stemmed from a previous recall, 25V636, in which BMW indicated that potentially affected vehicles had an engine starter of a certain production configuration.

In December 2025, the automaker reported a field incident involving a U.S. 2018 BMW 5 Series, and some other models, which had led to inconclusive results. The earlier results were then re-examined.

Between January and April, nearly 150 starters were returned from the field, disassembled, tested, and evaluated. Further analyses were conducted in May and June.

As part of the investigation, vehicle assembly information and supplier production records were reviewed to determine the number and production dates of potentially affected vehicles.

As of July 1, BMW has not received any reports and is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.

This latest recall involving fire risks and “park outside” warnings comes just days after a Kia America Inc. recall of more than 462,000 vehicles also affected by a possible fire risk and an outdoor parking order. In this case, overheating power seat monitors in certain Telluride models were found to be at risk.

Kia has already received several complaints of fires breaking out under passenger seats, and will make all necessary repairs and replacements free of charge.

Subaru Recalls 540,000 Vehicles

Meanwhile, a same-day recall from Subaru of America, Inc. involves 541,237 vehicles that were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR). The NHTSA recall report noted that an incorrect GAWR label may lead to an overload, increasing the risk of an accident.

Affected vehicles include certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025–2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent models.

Subaru will mail a new certification label to owners, free of charge, or owners may choose to have a dealer install a new label, free of charge.

Letters informing owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed Aug. 25. Owners of affected vehicles may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 using the recall number WRH026.