BMW Recalls 2019-2021 Models Due to Starter Motor Overheating Fire Risk
BMW is recalling approximately 105,588 vehicles because a starter motor failure can cause overheating and ignite engine compartment materials.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (starter motor overheating) that can ignite combustible materials, creating a significant fire hazard in the engine compartment.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019-2020 X5 and X7, 2020 3 Series Sedan, X6, 2020-2021 7 Series Sedan, 2020 8 Series Convertible, 8 Series Coupe, and 2020 8 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. The recall covers approximately 105,588 units. The affected models include the X6, 740XI, 840XI, 740I, M340XI, M340I, X7, 340XI, X5, and 840I.
The defect involves the engine control module software. If the starter motor fails, repeated attempts to start the vehicle can cause the starter motor to overheat due to electrical overload. An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
Dealers will update the vehicle software free of charge to correct the issue. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 27, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW X6, 740XI, 840I XDRIVE, 740I
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — SUV / Sedan / Coupe
- Affected units
- 105,588
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (10)
- X6
- 740XI
- 840I XDRIVE
- 740I
- M340XI
- M340I
- X7
- 340XI
- X5
- 840I
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
Related recalls
Same brand · BMW
- SevereBMW Recalls 2021-2024 R 18 Motorcycles for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-07
- SevereBMW X3 Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Steering Control
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW Vehicles Recalled Due to Potential Loss of Power and Rollaway Risk
NHTSA · 2026-08-12
- SevereBMW S 1000 RR Motorcycles Recalled Due to Potential Engine Stall Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-23
- SevereBMW and Toyota vehicles recalled due to engine starter fire risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
Same manufacturer · BMW of North America, LLC
See all →- SevereBMW Recalls 29,119 Vehicles Due to Starter Relay Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- SevereBMW Recalls 428 Vehicles for Integrated Brake System Malfunction
NHTSA · 2026-07-01
Same hazard · fire
See all →- SevereVQQQ Gas Patio Heaters Recalled for Fire and Burn Hazards
CPSC · 2026-10-22
- HighAutocar Recalls Xpeditor Trucks for Fuel Hose Separation Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-21
- SevereAudi Recalls 2024-2025 Q4 E-Tron Models Due to Battery Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-21
- HighForest River Recalls 2023-2026 Pause Travel Trailers for Wiring Defect
NHTSA · 2026-10-20
- SevereForest River Recalls 2026-2027 Cedar Creek Trailers for Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-10-16
Similar recalls
- SevereBMW Recalls Multiple Models Due to Starter Motor Overheating Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2025-09-25
- SevereBMW and Toyota vehicles recalled due to engine starter fire risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- SevereBMW Recalls 29,119 Vehicles Due to Starter Relay Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2026-07-08
- HighBMW Recalls 2020 X5 and X7 Models Due to Starter Motor Bolt Risk
NHTSA · 2020-08-07
- HighBMW and Toyota Supra engine starters may overheat and catch fire
NHTSA · 2026-01-30
- SevereBMW Recalls 2008-2011 Models for Engine Fire Risk
NHTSA · 2011-10-20