BMW recalls nearly 30,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles over fire risk

BMW is initiating a recall for 29,119 plug-in hybrid vehicles in the United States due to a potential fire hazard. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that the engine starter relay in these vehicles may become corroded by moisture, leading to a short circuit. In severe cases, this malfunction could ignite a fire, even when the car is turned off and parked. BMW is urging owners of the affected models to park their vehicles outdoors and away from any structures until the necessary repairs are made to mitigate the risk. The recall encompasses 2016-2018 330e iPerformance, 2017-2019 740Le xDrive iPerformance, and 2018-2020 530e iPerformance and 530e xDrive iPerformance plug-in hybrid models. This action follows a previous recall in 2025 for similar issues affecting approximately 196,000 vehicles, though that recall did not include plug-in hybrids. BMW decided to expand the recall after continued investigation into market incidents and analysis of recovered parts. Dealerships will replace the affected engine starters with an improved design free of charge. Owners can expect to receive notifications starting in late August. The recall specifically addresses the risk of thermal runaway and fire caused by a corroded electrical relay in the engine starter. It is currently unclear if any vehicles sold in Taiwan are affected, pending a response from the local distributor.