BMW has announced the recall of approximately 196,355 vehicles equipped with the B48 four-cylinder engine due to a potential fire hazard. The recall covers select 2019 to 2022 model years and, notably, includes a subset of 2020-2022 Toyota Supras. Here are the details.
BMW and certain Toyota Supras recalled
According to recall documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the problem causing the fire risk stems from the engine starter relay. In the affected models, it is stated that if the starter relay gets wet, it can corrode, affecting the vehicle’s ability to start.
The NHTSA documents explain that in a worst-case scenario, the corrosion can cause a short circuit. If a short circuit occurs, the risk of a fire increases significantly, even while the vehicle is in motion or parked.
The recall covers a wide range of models sold with BMW’s B48 turbocharged four-cylinder engine:
- Model Years: Selected 2019-2022 vehicles.
- BMW Models: X3, X4, Z4, 230i, 330i, 430i, 430i Convertible, and 530i.
- Toyota Models: Some 2020-2022 Toyota Supras. (The Supra is included in the recall because it uses a BMW engine.)
The automaker is urging owners of the affected vehicles to park their vehicles outdoors, away from buildings, until the repair is completed. Recall documents indicate that BMW will begin notifying owners in mid-November. Owners will be asked to take their vehicles to an authorized dealer to replace the faulty engine starter relay with a new version.
Owners who previously had this replacement done at their own expense are also entitled to a refund from BMW. It is of great importance for BMW and Toyota Supra owners to closely follow the official notifications and authorized service processes that will begin in November.
