Munich/Washington, September 26 2025 (Agencies): German automaker BMW has announced a global recall of more than 330,000 vehicles after detecting a defect in the engine starter relay that could lead to fire hazards.
The issue, linked to corrosion in the starter relay, may cause overheating or short circuits, creating a risk of fire even when vehicles are parked. Authorities in the United States and Germany have already issued urgent advisories, warning affected owners to avoid parking inside garages or near structures until repairs are completed.
According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall impacts around 196,000 vehicles in the United States and 136,000 in Germany, covering most BMW model lines built between 2015 and 2021.
Among the affected models are the BMW 330i (2019–2021), Z4 (2019–2022), 530i, X3, X4 (2020–2022), 430i (2021–2022), and 230i (2022). In addition, 1,469 Toyota Supras (2020–2022)—which share the same starter relay component—are also being recalled.
BMW said it will replace the defective parts free of charge, with owner notification letters expected to begin in mid-November 2025. However, due to supply chain constraints, parts replacement may take place in phases, depending on model availability.
This is the latest in a series of large-scale recalls by major automakers grappling with safety and quality control issues. Analysts note that while the number of incidents reported so far is limited, the potential risks are serious enough to warrant swift global action.