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BMW and Kia fire recalls expand globally

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-11 06:51 UTC → 2026-09-03 20:00 UTC · added removed

The Kia Telluride recall remains active, covering 462,869 U.S. SUVs from model years 2020–2024. The recall addresses a fire hazard linked to the front power-seat motor, which can overheat if the seat-slide knob or switch becomes misaligned. Following reports of seven seat-fire incidents and 11 melted motors, Kia is implementing a fix that adds an electronic fuse assembly. Owners have been advised to park vehicles outdoors until repairs are completed at no cost. BMW’s global starter-relay fire-risk campaign has expanded campaigns continue to 744,234 vehicles built expand. In France, a massive recall has been issued for numerous models, including the Series 2 through 7, X3 through X6, and Z4 produced between 31 July 2020 and 26 February 2026, spanning 13 model series (Series 2–7, X3–X7, Z4, i3). The defect 2026. This issue involves deposits in the starter-relay that RSW22 starter motor, where increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause short circuits and potential engine-compartment fires. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is overseeing deposits in the recall under reference 16790R. relay, leading to starting failures or short circuits. In the United States, BMW has issued a voluntary safety recall for nearly 30,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles following investigations into approximately 150 starter motors after reports of vehicle fires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notes the issue stems vehicles, specifically targeting 330e, 740Le, and 530e iPerformance models from an 2016–2020. The NHTSA reports that a corroded or damaged engine starter relay that may corrode or become damaged, leading to overheating cause overheating. This follows a larger recall of approximately 200,000 non-hybrid vehicles. Additionally, a global recall of 189,130 vehicles has been initiated for 3, 5, and short circuits. Affected 7 Series models include the 330e iPerformance (2016–2018), 740Le xDrive iPerformance (2017–2019), manufactured between 2014 and 530e iPerformance (2018–2020). Dealership technicians will replace faulty components with improved versions. Regional impacts include approximately 318,000 units 2020. This defect involves insufficient protection against water ingress in the United States—including roughly 29,000 plug-in hybrids—and 42,300 in Germany. Additional recalls have been issued in Australia and France. BMW has advised owners in several markets to park affected vehicles outside starter relay, where moisture causes corrosion and avoid using remote-engine-start functions. No injuries or material damage have been reported. BMW has also withdrawn from the October 2026 Paris potential electrical shorts. The German Federal Motor Show, citing Transport Authority (KBA) is monitoring this under reference 16791R. BMW service centers will replace the recall’s operational impact. entire starter motor free of charge.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-03 20:00 UTC BMW and Kia fire recalls expand globally
  2. 2026-08-11 06:51 UTC BMW and Kia fire recalls expand globally
  3. 2026-08-11 03:45 UTC BMW and Kia fire recalls expand globally
  4. 2026-07-30 13:09 UTC BMW fire‑recall expands, Kia Telluride recall ongoing
  5. 2026-07-27 10:04 UTC BMW fire‑recall expands, Kia Telluride recall ongoing

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