BMW recalls 720,796 vehicles in the US over fire risk

BMW announces US recall of 720,796 vehicles over fire risk

BMW announced a recall of 720,796 vehicles in the US on November 13, 2026, over a fire risk, Reuters reports, citing the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. BMW warned that a fire could start even when a vehicle is parked with its engine off.

The recall covers 2012–2016 BMW 3 Series and BMW 5 Series models, 2012–2015 BMW X1 models, 2012–2016 BMW Z4 models and 2013–2017 BMW X3 models. It also includes 2015–2018 BMW X4 and 2016–2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e models.

Separately listed are 2014–2016 BMW 2 Series coupes, BMW 3 Series wagons, 328xi Gran Turismo models, and BMW 4 Series coupes and convertibles. The list also includes 2015–2016 BMW 2 Series convertibles and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe models.

NHTSA links the fire risk to the water pump's electrical connector. Water can enter a connector that is not properly sealed, potentially causing a short circuit.

BMW is aware of 10 fires that occurred after repairs under the 2024 recall campaign and may have been linked to this defect. The vehicles were recalled at the time over a water pump issue, but now require another repair.

BMW is still working on a remedy, Lenta reports. Until repairs are completed, the regulator recommends that owners park affected vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles.