Even More BMWs Recalled For Starter Problems

1 month, 4 weeks ago - 06. October 2025, carbuzz

Just last week, we learned that BMW issued a recall for nearly 200,000 cars due to a potential fire risk due to starter problems. It was a wide enough recall it even included some examples of the Toyota GR Supra, which is mechanically a BMW. Apparently, BMW's starter problems are more widespread, though fortunately with a significantly reduced fire risk.

The company recently announced a recall for starters on 145,102 vehicles. The models included are the 2020 340i, 2020 to 2022 740Li, 2020 to 2025 840i, 2019 to 2020 X5, 2020 X6, and 2019 to 2020 X7. Based on the models included, it seems the main engines affected are the straight sixes. The bulk of the newly recalled vehicles are BMW X5s with more than 80,000 of them included, followed by the X7 with about 25,000 examples.

This new recall has some distinct similarities to the last one. Mainly, they each involve starters that could have a fault that would lead to overheating. However, the reason for the overheating is different, and the starters themselves are different, coming from different suppliers. The previous recalled starters were from Valeo, and these are from Denso. Getting down to the problem, basically, if the starter doesn't successfully start the vehicle, subsequent attempts could start overloading the electrical system in the starter and leading to overheating. There is still a possible risk of a fire from surrounding materials getting hot and igniting, but it's a minimal enough risk that neither BMW nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) is recommending owners park their vehicles outside. The other one, which involved water damage that could lead to short-circuiting and overheating, did come with the advice for owners to park vehicles outside and away from buildings.

According to NHTSA documentation, this new recall also includes vehicles that may have already been recalled for the same issue. That earlier recall was issued in August of last year, and the issue was addressed with a software update. BMW apparently became aware that issues were still showing up back in March. No one has been hurt or killed related to this particular recall, though. It's also worth noting that no one has been hurt in regard to the other starter recall, either.

Here's The Fix
The similarities between both BMW starter recalls continue with the fix. Like the more fiery recall, this new BMW starter recall involves a complete replacement of the starter. So, this time, owners won't be able to simply get a software update. Apparently the new starter uses a different design that won't have the overheating issue. As with any recall, the starter replacement will be completely free to owners. Owners of affected vehicles can call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 with any questions about the recall and the fix. They can also call NHTSA for information at 1-888-327-4236. Additionally, BMW will be mailing out notifications to owners. Dealers should have already been notified, so they should be able to answer questions from owners and help set up an appointment for a replacement starter.