— A BMW starter motor recall includes more than 145,000 of these vehicles equipped with DENSO starter motors that can overheat and cause melting, smoke and fires.
- 2020 BMW 340I
- 2020 BMW X6
- 2020-2025 BMW 840I
- 2020-2022 BMW 740LI
- 2019-2020 BMW X7
- 2019-2020 BMW X5
Although the starter motors may overheat, BMW says that would happen only after an electrical overload due to "repeated attempts" to start the vehicles.
In addition, out of 145,000 recalled vehicles, BMW estimates only 0.1% of the vehicles are defective.
According to BMW, the starter can overheat and the engine acoustic protection material can be ignited if contaminated.
According to the automaker:
"In rare cases, this could lead to a thermal event while driving or shortly after parking, if the vehicle had a starting event shortly before being parked."
In August 2024, BMW recalled about 105,000 vehicles equipped with starters that could overheat. Dealers were told to only update software.
But in March 2025, BMW learned of three incidents involving X5 vehicles that had supposedly been repaired during the 2024 starter motor recall.
Engineers tested vehicles that had the starter software updates and vehicles that didn't as three more starter incidents were filed. This convinced BMW to issue the starter motor recall.
BMW dealers will replace the engine starters, and the previously recalled vehicles will also need new starters. BMW says the new starters have a different design.
BMW starter motor recall letters will be mailed November 17, 2025. Concerned owners may call 800-525-7417.