BMW and Toyota recall 318,495 vehicles in the United States after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) identified a potential defect involving the engine starter. According to the federal safety agency, the issue could increase the risk of a vehicle fire, prompting a nationwide safety recall affecting multiple BMW models and the Toyota Supra.
NHTSA Issues Nationwide Safety Recall
According to the official NHTSA recall report, a total of 318,495 vehicles are included in the recall across the United States.
The affected vehicles include 270 units of the 2023 through 2024 Toyota Supra, along with BMW models produced between 2021 and 2025. The recall covers the BMW 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, and Z4.
Starter Defect Behind the Recall
The NHTSA said the issue originates within the engine starter mechanism. Severe, unexpected wear of an internal component can cause the starter motor to malfunction.
In some cases, the defect may prevent the engine from starting. However, the agency warned that repeated attempts to start the vehicle with the worn component could create a thermal event that may result in a vehicle fire.
According to the recall report, the fire could occur either while starting the engine or while the vehicle is being driven.
Dealers Will Replace the Faulty Starter
As part of the official remedy, authorized dealerships will replace the defective starter assembly at no cost to vehicle owners.
The replacement is intended to eliminate the mechanical defect identified in the recall.
Recall Expands Earlier Starter Concerns
The latest recall follows previous starter-related recalls involving BMW vehicles, as well as a recent Toyota Supra recall that advised owners to park their vehicles outdoors.
The expanded action now covers more than 318,000 vehicles sharing the BMW-Toyota platform, adding to previous safety actions involving the two automakers.
The recall also follows an earlier brake-related issue that affected vehicles built on the same shared platform.
Conclusion
The NHTSA recall covers hundreds of thousands of BMW and Toyota vehicles because of a potential starter defect that could increase the risk of fire. Owners of affected vehicles will be able to have the starter replaced free of charge through authorized dealerships as part of the official safety remedy.
