Widespread Recall Issued for BMW and Toyota Models Due to Potential Fire Risk

BMW of North America, LLC has announced a significant safety recall impacting a substantial number of its vehicles, including select Toyota Supra models, due to a potential defect in the engine starter that could lead to a fire hazard. The recall, identified by NHTSA Recall Number 26V056, affects approximately 87,394 vehicles across various BMW model lines and a small number of Toyota Supras. The issue stems from unexpected wear on an internal component of the engine starter, which could result in improper function and, in extreme cases, a thermal event or fire.

The affected BMW vehicles include the 2021-2023 Toyota Supra, with 803 units potentially involved. BMW models impacted by the recall encompass a wide range of popular vehicles: the 2022-2023 BMW 2 Series Coupe (1,186 units), the 2021-2024 BMW 5 Series, specifically the 530i and 530i xDrive models (5,816 units), the 2021-2022 BMW Z4 sDrive30i (1,465 units), the 2022-2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (5,887 units), the 2021-2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible, including 430i and 430i xDrive variants (6,944 units), the 2021-2023 BMW 4 Series Coupe, including 430i and 430i xDrive models (5,596 units), the 2021-2024 BMW 3 Series, specifically the 330i and 330i xDrive models (46,384 units), the 2021-2023 BMW X4 xDrive30i (1,283 units), and the 2021-2024 BMW X3, including sDrive30i and xDrive30i models (12,030 units). The production dates for these vehicles span various periods between December 2020 and July 2023, depending on the specific model.

The defect arises from a buildup of metallic material within the electrical relay chamber of the engine starter, attributed to increased abrasion. While the manufacturer estimates that only a very small percentage of vehicles, specifically 0.1%, are affected, the recall is being issued as a precautionary measure. BMW has indicated that it is not aware of any accidents or injuries directly related to this issue. For the Toyota Supra vehicles included in this recall, Toyota has stated that a review of its records has not identified any field reports or warranty claims in the U.S. related to this specific condition.

Owners of the potentially affected vehicles are being advised by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) not to drive their vehicles and to park them outside. This advisory is due to the risk of a thermal event or fire, which could occur while starting the engine or even while it is running. BMW will be notifying owners by first-class mail, instructing them to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW or Toyota dealer for the necessary repair. The remedy will involve replacing the engine starter with a unit featuring a different design. This repair will be performed free of charge to the owner.

The recall process is scheduled to commence with dealer notification on January 30, 2026. Owner notifications are planned to begin on March 24, 2026, and will be carried out in phases. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) will become searchable on March 24, 2026, allowing owners to check if their specific vehicle is part of the recall. Owners who have already incurred expenses for a remedy prior to the official recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement in accordance with the manufacturer’s reimbursement plan. Further details on the reimbursement process and how to submit claims can be obtained from BMW Group and Toyota.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from BMW of North America, LLC and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

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