The BMW recall fire risk centres on the engine starter. NHTSA campaign 25V636 covers about 199,674 US vehicles, mostly 2019-2022 BMWs plus the 2020-2022 Toyota Supra, because water can corrode the starter relay and cause overheating. If your VIN is listed, park outside and away from buildings, then book the free starter replacement.
Quick answer: there are two starter campaigns with overlapping model years. Check your VIN for each one, and follow BMW’s owner letter and the remedy for each campaign number.
BMW Recall Fire Risk: Which Models Are Affected?
| Campaign | Vehicles | Cause | Models and years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25V636 (2025) | 199,674 | Water reaching the starter relay causes corrosion and a short circuit | Z4 2019-2022; 330i 2019-2021; X3, X4 and 530i 2020-2022; 430i 2021-2022; 230i 2022; Toyota Supra 2020-2022 |
| 26V438 (2026) | 318,495 | Wear on an internal starter component may cause overheating | X3 2021-2022 and 2024; X4 2021-2025; 530i 2021-2023; Z4 2022-2026; 230i 2022-2025; 330i and 430i 2023-2024; Toyota Supra 2023-2024 |
These counts are NHTSA figures for the US. Canadian numbers were not in the filings we reviewed, so Canadian owners should use the VIN check. NHTSA says 26V438 expands an earlier starter campaign, 26V056.
Why the Starter Can Overheat
In 25V636, BMW reported that water could contact the starter’s electrical relay and lead to corrosion over time. That can short the circuit and overheat the starter, and in an extreme case cause a thermal event while driving or parked with the ignition off. BMW estimated about 0.1% of the vehicles have the defect and reported no accidents or injuries tied to the issue. The 26V438 filing describes a different cause, internal wear, with the same fire concern.
What BMW Owners Should Do Now
- Check your VIN on NHTSA’s recall page (US), BMW’s US recall lookup, or the BMW Canada and Transport Canada recall lookups.
- Park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles if your VIN is listed for 25V636.
- Book the free repair. Dealers replace the starter with a different design. Parts for some campaigns were phased, so you may get a second letter when parts are ready.
- Ask about reimbursement if you already paid for a starter repair; see BMW’s reimbursement guidance.
If you ever see smoke or smell burning from the engine bay, stop in a safe place, get everyone out and call emergency services.
Official filings: 25V636 report, NHTSA park-outside advisory and 26V438 notice. For other fire-related recalls, see our Jeep recalls guide and Toyota engine recall guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMWs are in the fire-risk recall?
Campaign 25V636 covers about 199,674 US vehicles: certain 2019-2022 BMW Z4, 2019-2021 330i, 2020-2022 X3, X4 and 530i, 2021-2022 430i (coupe and convertible) and 2022 230i, plus 1,469 Toyota Supras from 2020-2022. A later campaign, 26V438, covers 318,495 vehicles with different model years.
What is the fire risk?
In campaign 25V636, water can reach the starter’s electrical relay and corrode it, which can cause a short circuit and overheating. In campaign 26V438, wear on an internal starter component may cause the starter to overheat and catch fire.
Should I park my BMW outside?
NHTSA advised owners of affected vehicles in 25V636 to park outdoors and away from buildings and other vehicles until the vehicle is confirmed not affected or has been repaired.
Is the repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers replace the engine starter at no charge. Owners who already paid for a related repair may be eligible for reimbursement, so contact BMW or your dealer.
Can one VIN be in more than one campaign?
Yes, model years overlap, so check your VIN for every open campaign and follow the remedy listed for each campaign number rather than assuming one repair closes them all.
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