A serious safety alert has rocked BMW owners across the globe. The German carmaker has announced a massive recall affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to a faulty starter component that could lead to dangerous fires.
Scope of the recall
According to BMW, around 136,500 vehicles in Germany and nearly 195,000 in the United States are being recalled for inspection and repair.
The company has not disclosed a precise global number but confirmed that affected models span multiple continents, including Europe and Asia. The production window for the defective vehicles extends from September 2015 to September 2021.
What went wrong
The issue stems from water potentially seeping into the starter motor. This intrusion can cause corrosion, engine starting failure, short circuits, and localized overheating.
In the worst-case scenario, BMW warns, vehicles may ignite even while parked.
Official advice to BMW owners
BMW has urged all affected customers to park their cars outdoors only and strictly avoid leaving them near houses or garages until repairs are carried out.
The automaker has pledged to directly contact all registered owners of the vehicles in question.
Financial and logistical impact
BMW has not disclosed the estimated cost of this global recall. However, considering that hundreds of thousands of starter motors may need to be replaced, alongside potential battery upgrades, experts expect the financial burden to be substantial.
Beyond costs, the company also faces the challenge of managing repairs on such a vast scale across multiple countries.
The recall underscores the severity of safety concerns when it comes to modern car components.
For BMW, a brand associated with engineering excellence, the incident marks a significant blow.
For owners, however, the company’s swift response may help reduce risks — provided that vehicles are checked and repaired without delay.
