US recalls over 720,000 BMW vehicles over fire risk, urges owners to park outside

NEW JERSEY: United States (US) safety regulators have advised owners of 720,796 BMW vehicles to park outside and away from buildings as an electrical fault could cause a fire, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported, citing recall documents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said the recall involves a water pump electrical connector that may allow water to enter and cause a short circuit.

"Owners are advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures until the recall remedy is completed," the agency said in a Nov 12 letter acknowledging BMW's recall.

The campaign replaces a 2024 recall covering the same vehicles.

Owners who had their vehicles repaired under that campaign will need the new remedy as well, NHTSA said.

BMW said in its filing that material degradation at the connector could allow moisture to enter the pump, increasing the risk of overheating and, in rare cases, a fire.

The earlier repair involved installing a protective shield to divert fluid away from the connector, inspecting the connector and wiring, and replacing damaged components where necessary.

However, a review in January identified further cases of overheating or thermal overload in vehicles that had already received that repair.

Subsequent testing found embrittlement and cracks in the connectors, according to BMW's account of its investigation.

BMW decided to launch the new recall on Oct 28 and submitted its report to NHTSA on Nov 4.

As of its decision date, the company was aware of approximately 10 US incidents that were, or might be, related to the defect. It said it had received no reports of related accidents or injuries.

The recall covers certain 2012–2016 3 Series, 5 Series and Z4 vehicles; 2012–2015 X1s; 2013–2017 X3s; 2015–2018 X4s; and 2016–2018 X5 xDrive40e models.

Also affected are certain 2014–2016 2 Series Coupes, 3 Series Sportswagons, 328xi Gran Turismos, 4 Series Coupes and Convertibles, along with 2015–2016 2 Series Convertibles and 4 Series Gran Coupes.

The repair remains under development and will be performed free of charge at authorised BMW centres.

Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in December, NHTSA said.

Vehicle identification numbers covered by the recall, numbered 26V733, are expected to become searchable on the agency's website from Dec 25. — BERNAMA