BMW Recalls Over 700,000 Vehicles Due to Potential Fire Hazard

The logo of the German car manufacturer BMW is displayed on the headquarters in Munich, on March 21, 2018. Matthias Schrader/AP Photo

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has reported that BMW is recalling more than 700,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potential electrical short in a water pump connector that could spark a fire.

Several models, such as the 2012–2015 X1 station wagon, the 2012–2016 two-door Z4, the 2016–2018 X5 SUV, and the 2014–2016 two-door 2 Series Coupe, are among those listed at risk, with 720,796 vehicles estimated to potentially be defective.

The Safety Recall Report stated that the vehicles may have been manufactured with a water pump that was sealed poorly. This could lead to fluid ingress near the electrical plug connector, the report stated.

“This safety recall involves the water pump’s electrical plug connector,” the report stated. “Blowby-liquid from the positive crankcase ventilation system may collect on the intake air hose. If this occurs, then this liquid could drip onto the plug connector.”

According to the report, a possible short circuit resulting from the plug connector’s contact with fluid “could increase the risk of a thermal event and, in rare cases, a fire.”

“The water pump, and the plug connector, will be inspected and, if necessary, replaced, and a shield will be installed to divert any fluid that might drop down onto the pump from the positive crankcase ventilation system’s intake air house,” the NHTSA said.

The agency will instruct owners by mail to take their vehicles to authorized BMW dealerships for free repairs.

The NHTSA began notifying dealers on Aug. 13, and it will begin notifying owners on Oct. 4.

Owners who have had repairs done at their own expense are entitled to reimbursement, the NHTSA said.

The NHTSA reviewed vehicle assembly information and supplier production records to determine the number of potentially affected vehicles, the NHTSA said.

“On Aug. 6, 2024, in an abundance of caution, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall,” the NHTSA said. “As of August 2024, BMW is aware of approximately 18 customer complaints, concerns, and/or field instances, in the U.S. market, that relate, or may relate, to the issue identified in this report. BMW has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.”

It’s one of several BMW recalls this year, which include a recall in June of over 390,000 vehicles manufactured with airbag inflators that could potentially explode and cause injury or death, the Associated Press reported.

In July, BMW recalled more than 291,000 SUVs because it was found that the interior cargo rail could detach in an accident and cause injury.

The Epoch Times has contacted BMW for comment.