BMW is recalling nearly 30,000 hybrid vehicles due to the risk of starter motor fires
Sebastian Mackensen, president and CEO of BMW North America, said the automaker is committed to manufacturing in the U.S. as it completes a $1.7 billion plant expansion in South Carolina.
BMW is recalling about 30 thousand cars due to an engine starter problem that could cause a fire, according to federal regulators.
The recall affects 29,119 hybrid sedans, including the 2018-2020 BMW 530e xDrive, 2018-2020 BMW 530e iPerformance, 2017-2019 BMW 740Le xDrive. and the 2016-2018 BMW 330e iPerformance.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), water can come into contact with the engine’s starter electrical relay, causing corrosion over time.
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BMW is recalling nearly 30,000 vehicles due to a problem with the starter motor. (Chris Jung/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)
Corrosion inside the starter relay can affect the relay’s electrical connections and the engine’s ability to start, according to the recall report.
According to NHTSA, the problem can cause the starter motor to short out and possibly overheat, even when it is parked with the ignition off.
“A short circuit in the starter relay can increase the risk of fire,” the NHTSA report said.
The problem can cause a short circuit and possible overheating of the starter when the car is running. (REUTERS/Tingshu Wang/File Photo/Reuters Photos)
The a recall was issued following a field incident in November involving a 2019 BMW 5 and a field incident in May involving a 2017 BMW 3 Series.
No injuries or accidents have yet been reported in connection with the recall.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to park their vehicles on the street and away from buildings until repairs are completed.
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No casualties or accidents have been reported. (Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images/Getty Images)
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On August 28, BMW will send letters to owners telling them to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer to have the starter replaced. for free. Owners who previously purchased a replacement starter may also be eligible for a refund.
