BMW of North America has issued a “park outside” recall for 720,796 vehicles because of a fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.
According to a report posted on Nov. 13 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these same vehicles were recalled in 2024 due to a water pump issue and must be repaired again.
The report noted that an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump could be exposed to water and short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The recall involves the following models: 2012–2016 BMW 3 Series; 2012–2016 BMW 5 Series; 2012–2015 BMW X1; 2012–2016 BMW Z4; 2013–2017 BMW X3; 2014–2016 BMW 2 Series coupe; 2014–2016 BMW 3 Series sportswagon; 2014–2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo; 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series convertible; 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series coupe; 2015–2016 BMW 2 Series convertible; 2015–2016 BMW 4 Series gran coupe; 2015–2018 BMW X4 ; and 2016–2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e.
“If you have one of these vehicles, you should park your vehicle outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the vehicle is repaired,” the NHTSA report stated.
Notification letters to owners of affected models are expected to be mailed starting on Dec. 25. Local BMW dealerships will offer free repairs once they are available.
To date, BMW is aware of approximately 10 incidents in the United States related or potentially related to this issue, but does not know of any accidents or injuries. The NHTSA noted that the problems were in vehicles that had been repaired under the previous recall.
In mid-October, Hyundai recalled nearly 95,000 sedans, cautioning owners to park outside and away from buildings or other vehicles due to power seat motors that could overheat and cause a fire.
BMW’s last “park outside” recall in mid-July involved more than 29,000 vehicles. In that case, the alert was attributed to a possible faulty engine starter relay that could corrode, overheat, and short-circuit, increasing the risk of fire.
Earlier in July, Kia America Inc. issued a “park outside” recall of nearly 463,000 vehicles that could suddenly catch fire due to an overheating power seat motor.
