– A recall of BMW starter motors includes more than 145,000 of these vehicles equipped with DENSO starter motors that can overheat and melt, causing smoke and fire.
2020BMW340I
2020 BMW X6
BMW 840I from 2020-2025
2020-2022 BMW 740LI
2019-2020 BMW X7
2019-2020 BMW X5
Although the starter motors can overheat, BMW says this would only happen after an electrical overload due to “repeated attempts” to start the vehicles.
Additionally, BMW estimates that of the 145,000 vehicles recalled, only 0.1% of vehicles are defective.
According to BMW, the starter can overheat and the engine’s acoustic protection material can ignite if it is contaminated.
According to the car manufacturer:
“In rare cases, this can lead to a thermal event while driving or shortly after parking, if the vehicle had a start event shortly before parking.”
In August 2024, BMW recalled approximately 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 were supposedly repaired during the 2024 starter motor recall.
Engineers tested vehicles that had the starter software updates and those that did not, while three more starter incidents were recorded. This convinced BMW to issue the starter motor recall.
BMW dealers will replace the engine starters, and the previously recalled vehicles will also require new starters. BMW says the new starters have a different design.
Recall letters for BMW starter motors will be mailed on November 17, 2025. Concerned owners can call 800-525-7417.
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