BMW, Toyota recall nearly 90,000 vehicles over engine starter fire risk
By lauraharris // 2026-02-14
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  • BMW is recalling 87,394 vehicles in the U.S. (2021–2024 models), including the Toyota Supra, due to a defective engine starter that may overheat and increase the risk of fire, according to a Jan. 30 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notice.
  • The defect could cause electrical shorts, overheating or battery issues, potentially leading to fires, though no accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported.
  • BMW will notify affected owners and replace the engine starter free of charge and drivers can check recall status through NHTSA or local dealerships.
  • The recall follows other major fire-related recalls, including nearly 200,000 vehicles recalled in September over starter relay corrosion and more than 720,000 vehicles recalled in August 2024 for a faulty electric water pump.
  • BMW has faced mounting financial pressure from recall costs, lowering its 2024 sales and earnings targets, with global recalls exceeding 1.5 million vehicles and net profit falling about 37 percent in 2024.
BMW is recalling nearly 90,000 vehicles in the United States, including one Toyota model, after identifying a defect in the engine starter that could increase the risk of fire. The recall affects 87,394 vehicles manufactured between 2021 and 2024, according to a notice issued Jan. 30 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Federal safety regulators said the engine starter may overheat due to the defect, potentially leading to a fire. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, a defect in the engine starter can increase the risk of fire in cars by potentially causing electrical shorts or overloading the battery, which can lead to excessive heat and, in the case of lithium-ion batteries, thermal runaway. This defect can also compromise the battery's integrity, leading to leaks or explosions, especially in the event of an accident. Moreover, a faulty starter can cause the engine to stall or misfire, leading to increased engine temperatures and further exacerbating the risk of fire. Models included in the current recall are:
  • Toyota Supra (2021–2023)
  • BMW 5 Series (2021–2024)
  • BMW Z4 (2021–2022)
  • BMW 2 Series Coupe (2022–2023)
  • BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (2022–2024)
  • BMW 4 Series Convertible (2021–2024)
  • BMW 4 Series Coupe (2021–2023)
  • BMW 3 Series (2021–2024)
  • BMW X4 (2021–2023)
  • BMW X3 (2021–2024)
Officials said no accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported in connection with the defect. BMW said it will notify affected owners and that dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge. Vehicle owners can check whether their car is included in the recall by visiting the NHTSA website or contacting a local dealership.

BMW has faced a series of recalls in recent years

The latest recall follows a series of high-profile safety issues for the German automaker. In September, BMW recalled nearly 200,000 vehicles across North America, including in the United States, due to a defect that could increase the risk of fire At that time, the recall covered selected BMW vehicles from model years 2019 through 2022. Affected models include BMW 330i (2019–2021), BMW Z4 (2019–2022), BMW 530i, X3 and X4 (2020–2022), BMW 430i and 430i Convertible (2021–2022) and BMW 230i (2022). Certain Toyota Supra models from 2020 to 2022 are also included in the recall. As a precaution, federal regulators are advising owners of affected vehicles to "park their vehicles outside and away from structures" until repairs can be completed. Meanwhile, in August 2024, BMW recalled more than 720,000 vehicles in North America due to a faulty electric water pump that could short-circuit and potentially cause a fire in rare cases, according to reports citing NHTSA. Earlier in 2024, BMW also lowered its sales and earnings targets for the fiscal year, partly due to costs associated with a braking system recall announced in February. That recall affected more than 1.5 million vehicles worldwide, including about 270,000 in the United States. The company's net profit for 2024 fell by approximately 37%, according to financial reports. Watch this clip from Next News Network as host Gary Franchi discusses BMW's reaction to climate protesters vandalizing an iconic vehicle.
This video is from the News Clips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: NewsNationNow.com Independent.co.uk BrightU.ai Brighteon.com
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