BMW launches global recall of 744,000 vehicles over fire risk
BMW Group has announced a worldwide recall of 744,234 vehicles because deposits in the starter‑relay can cause a short circuit and potentially ignite the car. The action affects 13 model series – Series 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, the Z4 roadster and the i3 electric model – built between 31 July 2020 and 26 February 2026. About 42,300 of the cars are in Germany, and roughly 318,000 units are subject to the recall in the United States; a separate notice covered about 30,000 plug‑in hybrids in the US. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is overseeing the campaign, which is being carried out at no cost to owners; the starter relay will be replaced at authorised BMW service centres. No injuries or material damage have been reported so far. In parallel, BMW has withdrawn from the Paris Motor Show scheduled for October 2026, citing the recall and related operational pressures.
The recall underscores a major safety and reputational challenge for the German automaker and will involve a substantial surge of work for service networks worldwide.
Entities: BMW Group · German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) · National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Paris Motor Show
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] BMW will replace the starter relay free of charge at authorised service centres. (multiple)
- [● 4 SOURCES] No injuries or material damage have been reported so far. (multiple)
- [● 7 SOURCES] The recall covers 13 model series: Series 2‑7, X3‑X7, Z4 and i3. (multiple)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] BMW cancelled its participation in the Paris Motor Show scheduled for October 2026. (official)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Around 42,300 of the recalled vehicles are in Germany. (official)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In the United States, roughly 318,000 BMW vehicles are subject to the recall. (official)
- [● 7 SOURCES] Affected vehicles were produced between 31 July 2020 and 26 February 2026. (multiple)
- [● 8 SOURCES] BMW is recalling 744,234 vehicles worldwide because deposits in the starter relay can cause a short circuit and fire. (multiple)