BMW Drivers Beware: Two Recalls in One Week
» Posted October 6, 2025 • Resources | Share This Post
BMW recalled 350,000 cars over two separate fire risks in the span of one week, instructing some drivers to park outside until the defects are fixed.
The German automaker announced in late September that it was recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to a starter issue that increases the risk of fire. The move came days after the company called back nearly 200,000 cars that BMW said could overheat and catch fire.
“Owners should park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until they either confirm their vehicle is not subject to the recall or have their vehicle remedied,” BMW said in a notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The automaker said it was aware of at least 10 reports of vehicle fires, which prompted the first recall.
“The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit,” NHTSA said in a recall report. “A short circuit in the starter relay may increase the risk of a fire.”
The first recall covers vehicles across these models:
- 2019-2022 BMW Z4
- 2019-2021 BMW 330i
- 2020-2022 BMW X3
- 2020-2022 BMW X4
- 2020-2022 BMW 530i
- 2021-2022 BMW 430i standard and convertible
- 2022 BMW 230i
BMW plans to notify owners of recalled cars by Nov. 14. It will ask owners to bring their vehicles to authorized dealers to have starters replaced.
The second recall covers the following models:
- 2019-2020 BMW X5
- 2019-2020 BMW X7
- 2020-2025 BMW 840I
- 2020-2022 BMW 740LI
- 2020 BMW 340I
- 2020 BMW X6
The company plans to notify owners of the recall by Nov. 17 and will also ask those owners to bring their cars in for replacement starters.
Some of the recalled cars were previously called back for similar fire risks last year. BMW said then that starter motors could overheat and ignite nearby materials in the vehicles’ engine compartments. Those cars must be brought in again for new repairs, according to the automaker.
California Lemon Law Rights for BMW Owners
There is good news for BMW owners in California: You do not need to wait around for recalls to get defective vehicles fixed. You have some valuable rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.
The lemon law generally requires auto manufacturers to repair vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces carmakers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or simply refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, along with financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.
There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must occur before the buyback requirement kicks in. An experienced California lemon lawyer can help you understand your rights and take action.
Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney
If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.
Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.
