BMW and Toyota recall more than 87,000 cars over fire risk tied to starter motor

BMW has issued a recall of 87,394 vehicles over a defect that could cause the engine to overheat and start a fire. 

The recall, issued on Jan. 30, covers models made between 2021 and 2024. It includes nine BMW models, as well as one Toyota model, which shares similar structures and parts. The recalled BMW vehicles include: Toyota Supra, 2021-2023, BMW 5 Series, 2021-2024, BMW Z4, 2021-2022, BMW 2 Series Coupe, 2022-2023, BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe, 2022-2024, BMW 4 Series Convertible, 2021-2024, BMW 4 Series Coupe, 2021-2023, BMW 3 Series, 2021-2024, BMW X4, 2021-2023, and BMW X3, 2021-2024.

In a blog post BMW said the defect involves “unexpected wear on an internal component” which may “cause the starter to stop working properly—sometimes surfacing first as a no-start condition—but the higher-stakes concern is heat.” It continued, “NHTSA’s report says that ‘in an extreme case; the issue could cause a thermal event or fire when starting the engine, or while the engine is running.”

Just months ago, BMW issued a similar recall. In October, the company recalled 145,000 vehicles over a starter defect that could overheat and spark a fire. Prior to that, it recalled  200,000 vehicles for the same reason. 

Still, BMW is not the only car company to appear plagued by recalls as of late. At the end of last year, Ford recalled over 270,000 electric and hybrid vehicles over a parking function issue. Porsche recalled over 173,000 vehicles over a problem with the rearview camera image. Earlier in 2025, the NHTSA also issued similar recalls of Hyundai Motor America, Ford Motor, Toyota Motor, and Chrysler vehicles.

The recall notice indicates that BMW is not aware of any accident or injuries, for both the BMW vehicles, as well as the Toyota Supra vehicles, due to the issue. It also noted that dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners. Notification letters are expected to be mailed to vehicle owners on March 24, 2026. 

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