BMW AG is recalling at least 331,000 vehicles due to a defect in the engine starter motor. The issue affects most model lines built between 2015 and 2021 and comes after last year’s costly recall of 1.5 million cars over defective braking systems.
Cause of the Defect
The starter motor may corrode if water seeps in, creating the risk of a short circuit. In the worst-case scenario, this could trigger a fire in the vehicle’s engine. BMW has advised affected owners to park their cars outdoors, away from buildings, until repairs are completed.
Regional Impact
Of the recalled cars, 195,000 are in the United States and 136,000 in Germany. The company has not provided a global total for the recall or an estimate of repair costs.
Repair Plan
BMW will replace the faulty starter motors free of charge. In a small number of cases, the battery will also be replaced. This marks another setback for the German automaker, adding to mounting costs from previous safety-related recalls.
