BMW recalls over 29,000 plug‑in hybrids in the US over fire risk, urges owners to park outside

German automaker BMW announced a recall of 29,119 plug‑in hybrid sedans sold in the United States because a corroded engine‑starter relay can overheat, short‑circuit and potentially cause a fire even when the vehicle is parked. The recall covers 2016‑2018 330e iPerformance, 2018‑2020 530e iPerformance and 530e xDrive, and 2017‑2019 740Le xDrive models.

BMW will replace the defective starter assembly at no cost. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed on August 28, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will make the VINs searchable at that time. Drivers have been instructed to park the affected vehicles outside and away from structures until the repair is completed. BMW reports no accidents or injuries linked to the issue.

The recall follows a broader wave of fire‑related safety actions across the auto industry, including large recalls by Kia and other manufacturers, underscoring growing scrutiny of component reliability in increasingly electrified vehicles.