German automaker BMW announced Friday a massive recall campaign affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles produced between September 2015 and September 2021, due to a defect in the starter motor that could lead to fires.
Affected vehicles in Germany and the United States
❗CONSUMER ALERT: BMW is issuing a park outside recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles from model years 2019-2022 due to a risk of fire when parked or driving.❗
More: https://t.co/0healkQ9U1 pic.twitter.com/5Mn3FImvRf
– nhtsagov (@NHTSAgov) September 26, 2025
The company detailed that, in Germany alone, around 136,500 automobiles will be involved, while in the United States the figure amounts to approximately 195,000 units.
Although BMW has not yet provided a definitive global number, it is estimated that the measure could reach several hundred thousand vehicles in different regions of the world, given the magnitude of production during the aforementioned years.
Among the potentially affected models are various versions of the 3, 5 and X series, which are part of the brand’s most popular ranges, both in Europe and America.
BMW Recall
BMW explained that the fault lies in the starter motor, a key component of the ignition system.
On certain vehicles, water may leak into the starter motor, causing corrosion of internal electrical parts.
This corrosion, over time, can cause a short circuit that generates localized overheating.
In the most severe cases, overheating could end in a fire, even if the car is parked and turned off, increasing the risk to owners and their environment.
Recommendations for drivers
In view of this situation, BMW recommended to the owners of the affected vehicles that, until their cars are inspected and repaired, they should not park them in closed garages or near buildings or inhabited structures, but preferably outdoors.
The company assured that all repairs will be free of charge for customers and that it is working with its official dealers and authorized workshops to start the overhaul campaign immediately.
Drivers will receive formal notices in the coming weeks with specific instructions.
Impact on the U.S. and the Hispanic community
In the United States, where BMW has a strong presence in states such as California, Texas, Florida and New York, the recall could directly impact thousands of Hispanic families who depend on their vehicles for work and daily mobility.
The cost of the repair will not be borne by drivers, but they should watch for notification letters in the mail and check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if their vehicle is included in the recall.
Background and consumer safety
This is not the first time BMW has faced a recall of this magnitude.
In previous years, the manufacturer has already recalled hundreds of thousands of cars for electrical problems and similar risks.
The company insists that the measure is preventive and that so far there have been few confirmed incidents.
The NHTSA reminded consumers that safety recalls are standard procedures in the automotive industry and should not generate panic, as long as drivers follow the company’s indications and come to the repair in a timely manner.
BMW reiteró que su prioridad es garantizar la seguridad de los clientes y que la campaña de reparación estará activa “el tiempo que sea necesario” hasta que todos los vehículos afectados hayan sido corregidos
QuéOnnda.com
Archived as: BMW recall campaign
