BMW Recalls 29,000 Plug In Hybrid Cars Over Fire Risk

Water Leaks Cause Corrosion and Short Circuits

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration disclosed that the issue stems from water leaking into the engine starter relay. This moisture causes the components to corrode over time. The corrosion can then trigger a short circuit and overheat the starter motor.

Engineers confirmed the Fire Risk remains active even when the vehicle is turned off and parked. The issue affects several popular luxury sedan models built between 2016 and 2020. These models include variant editions of the BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, and 7-Series hybrids.

Investigation Follows Previous Large Scale Recall

This campaign follows a larger Recall last September that involved nearly 200,000 standard petrol BMW vehicles for the same fault. Engineers initially excluded plug-in hybrids from the original safety campaign while they monitored their performance. However, a thermal field incident in February 2026 involving a 2017 3-Series prompted this new action.

BMW stated it has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the defect so far. The manufacturer continued to track vehicle data before deciding to launch this secondary Recall. The expansion ensures all vulnerable hybrid architectures receive the updated parts.

Free Dealership Repairs Set for Late August

Dealers will replace the defective engine starter assembly completely free of charge. The company plans to begin mailing official notification letters to affected owners on August 28, 2026. Drivers can schedule repair appointments as soon as the components arrive at local service centres.

The high-voltage propulsion batteries are not connected to this specific fire hazard. The Recall focuses purely on the traditional combustion engine starting mechanisms. Drivers can check their vehicle identification numbers on the safety regulator website for immediate verification.