Several BMW Models Recalled Over Engine Starter Issues, Fire Risk
BMW is recalling many different models that are now 4-5 years old due to issues with the engine starter.
The number of units being recalled exceeds 105,000 in the U.S. and amounts to 11,802 in Canada. The affected models include the 2019-2020 BMW X5 and X7, 2020 3 Series, 2020 X6, 2020-2021 7 Series and 2020 8 Series (coupe, cabriolet, Gran Coupe).
- Also: 44,000 Older BMWs With Takata Airbags Recalled in Canada
- Also: Nearly 100,000 BMWs Recalled in Canada for Fire Risk
In documents sent to U.S. safety regulators, the German automaker wrote that “in certain cases in which the engine starter has some mechanical damage, the engine may not be able to be started.” In rare instances where owners make long starting attempts, the starter motor may suffer an electrical overload and overheat, which could lead to a “thermal event” (a fire) if contaminants like oil are found near the starter motor.
As of June 2024, BMW had received a dozen customer complaints relating to damaged starter motors, but the good news is that no actual fires and no injuries stemming from this problem have been reported yet.
Affected owners will be notified by mail starting in late September. They’ll need to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer for a software update that will prevent the engine starter from being electrically overloaded after repeated, long-duration restart attempts.
At this time, the recall does not involve the replacement of potentially damaged starter motors, which is a bit curious if you ask us.
Two years ago, BMW recalled more than one million vehicles around the world, including 98,000 in Canada, due to a potentially faulty positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve heater that could overheat and result in a fire. The vehicles, covering the 2006-2013 model years, included the 1 Series (coupe and cabriolet), 3 Series (sedan, coupe, cabriolet and wagon), 5 Series (sedan and wagon), X3, X5 and Z4.
