The recall includes several plug-in hybrid and iPerformance models, while a related recall in Canada has been expanded to cover more than 26,000 vehicles. According to U.S. and Canadian safety authorities, affected owners will be offered repairs at no cost.
BMW is recalling 29,119 vehicles in the United States because of a potential defect involving the engine starter relay, according to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Reuters reported that corrosion affecting the relay could lead to overheating and a short circuit, increasing the risk of a vehicle fire.
The recall covers several models, including the BMW 530e xDrive, 740Le xDrive, and certain iPerformance vehicles, according to the NHTSA. As part of the remedy, dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge. The announcement adds to a series of recent starter-related recalls involving BMW vehicles in North America. While the U.S. recall focuses on just over 29,000 vehicles, Canadian authorities have also expanded their own recall campaign involving the same safety concern.
US and Canadian Recalls Address the Same Safety Concern
According to Transport Canada, the expanded Canadian recall affects 26,247 vehicles from the 2021 through 2026 model years. The agency said that on certain vehicles, the engine starter may not have been manufactured properly, allowing it to overheat.
Transport Canada warned that an overheating starter “can create the risk of a fire.” To reduce that risk before repairs are completed, BMW recommends that owners do not use the remote start function and do not leave the vehicle unattended while the engine is running.
The Canadian recall applies to several BMW models, including the 2 Series (2023–2025), 3 Series (2023–2024), 4 Series (2023–2024), 5 Series (2023), X3 (2021–2024), X4 (2021–2025), and Z4 (2022–2026). According to the Canadian recall notice, BMW will notify owners by mail and instruct them to visit a dealership for a replacement engine starter. Transport Canada also stated that the latest action expands an earlier recall identified as recall number 2026-040.
BMW Offers Free Repairs as Recall Campaign Expands
According to Reuters, the U.S. recall remedy consists of replacing the engine starter at no cost to vehicle owners. The NHTSA said dealerships will perform the replacement as part of the official recall campaign.
Reporting by CTV News noted that the Canadian recall expands an earlier campaign that affected nearly 7,000 BMW vehicles in Canada. The outlet also reported that a similar engine starter recall in the United States had previously affected more than 87,000 BMW vehicles. BMW recalled nearly 15,000 additional vehicles last October after determining that earlier engine starter repairs had not been effective.
For the current Canadian recall, Transport Canada said BMW will notify affected owners by mail with instructions to arrange the repair through an authorized dealership. The agency reiterated that the recommended interim precautions are intended to reduce the fire risk until the engine starter has been replaced.
