BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles in the United States because an electrical fault in the water pump can trigger a fire even when the engine is turned off.
Park Outside Mandate Issued for 14 Models
Federal safety officials urged owners on November 13 to keep their cars parked outdoors and away from structures until repairs are completed, as reported by Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance. The hazard stems from an improperly sealed electrical connector on the electric water pump that allows moisture to enter and cause a short circuit, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The campaign covers 14 model lines built between 2012 and 2018, encompassing various 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, and Z4 vehicles. Plant Spartanburg in South Greer builds several Sports Activity Vehicles tied to the wider corporate footprint, where BMW recently invested $1.7 billion, as noted by the Post and Courier.
The recall affects 14 models of the cars, manufactured by BMW of North America, based in Westwood, New Jersey. The recall specifically covers the 2014-2016 BMW 228i, 2014-2016 BMW 228Xi, 2012-2016 BMW 328i, 2012-2016 BMW 328Xi, 2014-2016 BMW 428i, 2014-2016 BMW 428Xi, 2012-2016 BMW 528i, 2012-2016 BMW 528Xi, 2012-2015 BMW X1, 2013-2017 BMW X3, 2015-2018 BMW X4, 2016-2018 BMW X5, and 2012-2016 BMW Z4.
Repeat Recall Follows 2024 Campaign
This safety action replaces campaign 24V-608, a 2024 recall that covered the same number of U.S. vehicles over a water pump issue. BMW determined that material degradation at the connector can allow moisture to enter the pump and lead to the possibility of a short circuit over time, according to BMWBLOG.
The automaker has identified approximately 10 field instances in the country linked to the issue. Every one of those occurrences took place in vehicles that had already received the remedy under the earlier 2024 recall, Autoweek reported.
If you have one of these vehicles, you should park your vehicle outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the vehicle is repaired.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
“BMW has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this issue,” federal regulators confirmed, and BMW has not received any reports or been otherwise aware of any crashes or injuries.
Engineers Develop Solutions as Dealers Await December Notifications
Engineers are currently developing a permanent solution for the faulty water pump connectors, according to Mint. Dealers were notified on November 4, and have been instructed not to sell, lease, or deliver new, certified pre-owned, or used vehicles covered by the recall until the final repair is completed, as detailed by Autoracing1.
BMW plans to begin mailing official notification letters by first-class mail on December 25, 2026, instructing owners to take their vehicle to an authorized BMW center to have the remedy performed for free. Vehicle identification numbers and license plate records will become searchable on the federal recall database on that same date, as outlined by WBAP.