200,000 BMWs Recalled For Major Fire Risk, Supras Also Affected

Among BMWs, affected models are 2022 BMW 2 Series, 2019 to 2021 BMW 3 Series, 2021 to 2022 BMW 4 Series, 2020 to 2022 BMW 5 Series, 2020 to 2022 BMW X3, 2020 to 2022 BMW X4, and 2019 to 2022 BMW Z4. Since the Z4 is included, so is the Toyota Supra, specifically 2020 to 2022 models. Among the recalled vehicles, most of them are 3 Series, with more than 80,000 estimated to have a troubled starter. It's a stark contrast to the Z4, of which only one example might have a starter that needs to be replaced with a revised part.

What Went Wrong
BMW began investigating this issue in July of last year after receiving some reports of "thermal events" on some of its vehicles. The company discovered that the issues were related to some sort of damage to the starter motor, and further research by both BMW and the starter supplier Valeo determined the problem had to do with corrosion in the starter relay.

As the recall states, the problem is that water can get into the relay, corroding it over time. The results can be difficulty starting, or short-circuiting the relay. The latter can lead to a fire from overheating components. The risk of fire is serious enough that BMW is recommending that owners of potentially affected cars should park them outside and away from buildings until the owner can bring the car in for the recall fix. This isn't an uncommon advisement with fire risk issues. Just a few years ago, Chevy Bolt owners were asked to do the same when their battery packs were recalled. Fortunately, despite the risk, BMW says that no one has been hurt or killed in relation to this recall. Similarly, Toyota has reported no fires at all on Supras, which would then mean that no one has been hurt with a Supra yet.

What To Do

The recall fix is straightforward. Owners of recalled vehicles can bring them to their local dealer to have the starter replaced. The new starter has been redesigned to prevent water from getting into the relay. Owners can call BMW with any questions at 1-800-525-7417, and we would expect that they could call their local dealer for information, too. The recall didn't list a specific number for Toyota, but, again, the local dealer would likely be a good place to start. Additionally, they can call NHTSA for information at 1-888-327-4236. As with any recall, the costs for labor and parts is completely free to the owner. Furthermore, any owners that have had their starters replaced for similar issues in the past will be reimbursed for anything they had to pay for.