The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereNHTSA·24V608000·Announced 2024-08-13

BMW Recalls Multiple Models Due to Water Pump Electrical Fire Risk

BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles from 2012-2018 because an improperly sealed water pump connector may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

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 an electrical defect that increases the risk of a vehicle fire, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'significant injury/property-damage reports' or structural/electrical defects posing severe risk.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2012-2018 BMW vehicles, including the X1, Z4, 328i, 228i, 428i, X3, X4, and X5 models. The recall affects a total of 720,796 vehicles. The specific models and years affected include the 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i and xDrive28i; 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, and 328xi; 2016-2018 X5 xDrive 40e; 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, and 328xi Gran Turismo; 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i and xDrive28i; 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i; and 2015-2016 428xi.

The defect involves an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump. This connector may be exposed to water, which can cause a short circuit. An electrical short increases the risk of a vehicle fire.

Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. 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 328I, 228XI, Z4, X3
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Electrical System
Hazard
Affected units
720,796

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 (12)

  • 328I
  • 228XI
  • Z4
  • X3
  • 228I
  • X5
  • 528I
  • X1
  • X4
  • 328XI
  • 428XI
  • 428I

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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