BMW claims to build the ultimate driving machines. And many of the smaller, sportier ones, manufactured between 2021 and 2024, are now subject to a safety recall. BMW issued a voluntary recall with the NHTSA of several vehicle models due to a fire risk. The move will affect nearly 90,000 vehicles from both BMW and Toyota, namely the Supra. Not too surprisingly to anyone who has been tracking BMW recalls, it involves the starter motor. Faulty Starter Motor Could Start A Fire BMW BMW is recalling several vehicles because the starter motor can overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component. The recall includes the BMW X3 (2021-23) and X4 (2021-23) crossovers, as well as 2 Series (2022-23), 3 Series (2021-23), 4 Series (2021-24), 5 Series (2021-24), and Z4 (2021-22) vehicles. The Toyota Supra (2021-23), a mechanical BMW under the sheet metal, is also included in the recall, which affects 87,394 vehicles.BMW investigated four incident reports on 3 Series and 4 Series starter motors showing thermal damage, received a field return part showing thermal damage, and was able to replicate the issue in bench testing. None of the incidents resulted in an accident or an injury. Toyota has not received any incident reports related to the issue in the Supra. BMW Will Replace The Starter Motor On Affected Vehicles Toyota BMW already has a fix ready. The company will install a new starter motor on affected vehicles free of charge. The new recall does notinclude an advisement to park the vehicles outside, which BMW had advised with previous recalls. As with any safety recall, owners should address the issue at their earliest convenience.The company will mail letters to affected owners on March 24, 2026, which is also the date the recall will be searchable by VIN. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331 for more information. This Is Not BMW's First Starter Motor-Related Recall BMW BMW has been having persistent issues with its starter motors. The latest recall is not the first or even the second-biggest starter motor-related recall during the past 12 months. BMW recalled nearly 200,000 vehicles in September 2025 and issued another recall for 145,000 vehicles. Though the outcomes were similar, the recalls involved parts from different suppliers. BMW recalled another 100,000 vehicles in 2024 for issues with the starter motor that could cause a thermal risk. Starter Motors Have Not Been The Only Safety Recalls For BMW BMW BMW has also issued some recent recalls that were not starter-related. The brand recalled more than 70,000 electric vehicles in June 2025 due to a software issue with the high-voltage system that could cause the car to stall. BMW issued a recall in February for more than 40,000 X3 crossovers due to a risk of the rear door lock module failing and causing inadvertent door openings. Back in 2024, BMW also recalled nearly three-quarters of a million vehicles for a potential short circuit at the water pump's electrical plug connector.Source: NHTSA
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