BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles in the United States over a potential fire risk involving their water pump electrical connectors. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has advised affected owners to park their vehicles outside until repairs are completed.
The recall covers vehicles previously included in a 2024 water pump recall. However, around 10 incidents in the United States have since been linked, or potentially linked, to the same issue. These incidents involved vehicles that had already received the earlier recall repair.
According to NHTSA, an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may allow water to enter. This can cause an electrical short circuit and increase the risk of fire, even when the vehicle is parked and switched off.
BMW has not reported any crashes or injuries related to these incidents. However, the agency is advising owners to keep affected vehicles away from buildings and other vehicles until the problem is addressed.
Which BMW Models Are Affected?
The recall covers 14 model groups produced between 2012 and 2018. These include:
- 2012–2016 BMW 3 Series
- 2012–2016 BMW 5 Series
- 2012–2015 BMW X1
- 2012–2016 BMW Z4
- 2013–2017 BMW X3
- 2014–2016 BMW 2 Series Coupe
- 2014–2016 BMW 3 Series Sportswagon
- 2014–2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
- 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series Convertible
- 2014–2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe
- 2015–2016 BMW 2 Series Convertible
- 2015–2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
- 2015–2018 BMW X4
- 2016–2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e
The latest recall requires another repair despite the vehicles already receiving attention under the 2024 campaign.
Repair Still Under Development
BMW is currently developing a new remedy for the affected vehicles. The repair will be provided free of charge at authorised dealerships once available.
NHTSA expects BMW to begin mailing owner notification letters on 25 December 2026. Vehicle identification numbers and registration details will also become searchable through the agency’s recall website from that date.
Until then, owners can contact BMW’s recall hotline at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236.
The recall highlights a continuing issue with the previous water pump repair, as some vehicles remain at risk despite having undergone the earlier campaign.
