A recall of 29,119 BMW xDrive and iPerformance vehicles with starters that may short circuit and cause a fire.
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2020 530e xDrive, 2017-2019 740Le xDrive, 2018-2020 530e iPerformance, 2016-2018 330e iPerformance vehicles. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
Affected VINs should be searchable now at the NHTSA website.
Here is the relevant information from the NHTSA Recall notice:
NHTSA ID Number: 26V441
Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number of Units Affected: 29,119
Estimated percentage with defect: Less than 0.1%
Descriptive Information
530e xDrive: Approximately 5,803 vehicles have been manufactured with an engine starter of a certain production configuration.
740Le xDrive: Approximately 1,058 vehicles have been manufactured with an engine starter of a certain production configuration.
530e iPerformance: Approximately 14,406 vehicles have been manufactured with an engine starter of a certain production configuration.
330e iPerformance: Approximately 7,852 vehicles have been manufactured with an engine starter of a certain production configuration.
Basis for recall population determination: Vehicle assembly information and supplier production records were used to determine the specific dates of potentially affected vehicles.
Recall component difference to non-recall component: Potentially affected vehicles have an engine starter of a certain production configuration.
Although the estimated percentage of involved vehicles is noted as 0.1%, the calculated number is much lower, but the portal does not allow a value of less than 0.1%.
Description of defect or noncompliance:
This safety recall involves the engine starter. In some cases, water could contact the starter’s electrical relay and, over time, lead to corrosion. Corrosion inside the starer relay could affect the electrical connection within the relay and the ability to start the engine.
Description of the safety risk, including crash, fire, death, injury:
In certain cases, corrosion inside the starter relay could also lead to a short-circuit and possible overheating of the starter. In an extreme case, this could cause a thermal event during vehicle operation or when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is off.
Description of the cause:
None stated.
Identification of any warning that can occur:
None stated.
Chronology
Please refer to BMW’s September 23, 2025 Part 573 report assigned NHTSA Recall ID 25V-636.
Subsequent to the implementation of 25V-636, and in the normal course of quality processes, the field continued to be monitored. Engineering investigations continued with a focus on a remaining group of vehicles produced with 4-cylinder engines that were not yet subject to a recall campaign, specifically Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PHEV), even though this vehicle configuration had also been examined previously.
In December, a parts collection campaign and associated tear down analysis was initiated for field vehicles, including vehicles in which no complaints had been received. Also in December, a field incident (Nov 2024) involving a US Model Year 2018 BMW 5 Series became known.
At that time, a prior investigation and analysis of some earlier field incidents (US Model Year 2017 BMW 3 Series – Apr 2024, US Model Year 2018 3 Series – Oct 2024) had led to inconclusive results. Those earlier incidents were re-examined.
Between January and April 2026, approximately 150 starters were returned from the field, disassembled, tested, and evaluated. In February, a field incident (Nov 2025) involving a US Model Year 2019 BMW 5 Series became known.
Between May and June, further analyses were conducted. In May, a field incident (Feb 2026) involving a US Model Year 2017 BMW 3 Series became known.
Vehicle assembly information and supplier production records were reviewed to determine the number and production dates of potentially affected vehicles.
On July 1, 2026, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall.
BMW has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Remedy
Description of Remedy
Remedy Type: Replace
Description of remedy program:
The engine starter will be replaced with one involving a different design.
Owners will be notified by First Class mail and instructed to take their vehicle to an authorized BMW dealer to have the remedy performed for free.
Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is complete.
How remedy component differs from recalled component:
Recalled Component: Engine Starter – p/n: 8685988, 8643641, 5A7E944, 5A7F8F8, 8643642, 5A7E948, 5A7F916, 8691765
Description of recall schedule:
Dealer notification is planned to begin and end on July 8, 2026.
Owner notification (interim if necessary) is planned to begin and end on August 28, 2026.
