BMW is recalling more than 720,000 vehicles in the US because an electrical problem involving the water pump can cause a fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is telling owners of affected vehicles to park them outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until they can be repaired. The recall covers certain BMWs from model years 2012 through 2018.

The problem involves an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump. Moisture can reach the connector and cause a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. BMW is aware of about 10 incidents in the US that may be related to the problem, although NHTSA says there have been no reported crashes or injuries.

The recall is particularly notable because it replaces a 2024 recall covering the same water-pump issue. Vehicles that were repaired under that earlier campaign will need to be repaired again. BMW is still developing the remedy, which will be performed free of charge at dealerships once available.
Affected vehicles include:

  • 2012-2016 BMW 3 Series
  • 2012-2016 BMW 5 Series
  • 2012–2015 BMW X1
  • 2012-2016 BMW Z4
  • 2013-2017 BMW X3
  • 2014-2016 BMW 2 Series coupe
  • 2014–2016 BMW 3 Series sportswagon
  • 2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
  • 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series convertible
  • 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series coupe
  • 2015-2016 BMW 2 Series convertible
  • 2015-2016 BMW 4 Series gran coupe
  • 2015-2018 BMW X4
  • 2016-2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e

BMW expects to begin mailing owner notification letters December 25. Owners will also be able to check their vehicle identification number or license plate number through NHTSA’s recall database beginning that day.
Until a repair is available, NHTSA’s advice is unusually direct: If you own one of the affected BMWs, don’t park it in your garage or near another vehicle or structure.

But for a couple of sketchy, short-lived gigs right out of college, Natalie Neff has had the good fortune to spend the entirety of her professional life around cars. A 2023 Chevrolet Bolt EV, 1972 VW Beetle, 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S, and a well-loved purple-and-white five-speed Schwinn currently call her garage home.