720,796 BMWs Recalled for Fire Risk; Owners Told to Park Outside
BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles from model years 2012 through 2018 over a water pump connector that can short and catch fire, even when parked.
BMW is recalling 720,796 vehicles in the United States because a poorly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can let in moisture, short-circuit and start a fire. The risk exists even when the car is parked with the engine off, so the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is telling owners to leave affected vehicles outdoors, away from buildings and other cars, until they are repaired.
The campaign covers a long list of BMW models from model years 2012 through 2018. A fix is not ready yet, and owners whose cars were already repaired under an earlier recall for the same problem will have to go back to the dealer.
How the water pump connector can start a fire
The defect sits in the electrical connector that powers the water pump. If the connector is not sealed properly, water can work its way inside. Once moisture reaches the contacts, it can cause a short circuit, and a short raises the chance of a fire in the vehicle.
BMW knows of about 10 incidents in the US that may be connected to the defect, Autoweek reported. NHTSA says no crashes or injuries have been reported.
Which BMW models are included
According to the recall listing reported by Autoweek, the affected vehicles are:
- 2012-2016 3 Series and 5 Series
- 2012-2015 X1
- 2012-2016 Z4
- 2013-2017 X3
- 2014-2016 2 Series coupe, 3 Series sportswagon, 328xi Gran Turismo, and 4 Series coupe and convertible
- 2015-2016 2 Series convertible and 4 Series gran coupe
- 2015-2018 X4
- 2016-2018 X5 xDrive40e
Reports differ slightly on the 2014-2016 coupes: AutoGuide’s list, published on Yahoo, names a 3 Series Coupe where Autoweek lists a 4 Series coupe. NHTSA’s campaign listing names the specific versions as the 328i, 328xi, 528i, 528xi, X1, Z4, X3, 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428xi, X4 and X5.
A second try at the same repair
BMW filed the campaign with NHTSA on Nov. 4, 2026, under recall number 26V733000. It replaces recall 24V608, a 2024 campaign that addressed the same water pump problem. Cars that received the earlier repair are part of the new recall and will need the new remedy once BMW releases it.
BMW is still developing that remedy. When it is ready, dealers will perform the work free of charge.
What it means for owners
The most immediate effect is on where owners keep their cars. Because the fire risk does not depend on the car being driven, NHTSA’s guidance is that affected vehicles should stay out of garages and away from other vehicles and structures until the fix is done. That matters most for owners who park in attached garages, carports or tight shared lots.
Owners of cars repaired in 2024 cannot assume they are covered. The earlier fix did not close out the problem, and those vehicles are back on the list.
The repair will cost owners nothing. Recall work like this is done free at franchised BMW dealers, and owners can look up any vehicle identification number at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether it has an open recall.
When owners will hear from BMW
BMW expects to start mailing notification letters to owners on Dec. 25, according to Autoweek. AutoGuide reported the letters will go out in December 2026. Starting Dec. 25, owners will be able to search their VIN, or their license plate number, in NHTSA’s recall database to confirm whether their car is included.
Owners with questions can call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
