BMW owners who already completed a water pump recall face another repair after reports of additional incidents prompted a new warning to park affected vehicles outside, away from buildings and other vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned on November 13 that 720,796 BMW vehicles could catch fire even while parked with their engines off. The recall covers certain models from the 2012 through 2018 model years.
An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump can allow water to enter and cause a short circuit, increasing the fire risk, the agency said.
BMW knows of approximately 10 U.S. incidents that relate, or may relate, to the problem. Those incidents involved vehicles that had already received repairs under the 2024 recall, according to NHTSA. BMW knows of no related crashes or injuries.
The new campaign, 26V733000, requires another repair for vehicles covered by the earlier recall, 24V608. BMW is still developing the remedy and will provide it free at a BMW dealership when available.
Which vehicles face the recall?
NHTSA identified the following model groups. The recall applies to certain vehicles within these ranges:
2012-2016 BMW 3 Series
2012-2016 BMW 5 Series
2012-2015 BMW X1
2012-2016 BMW Z4
2013-2017 BMW X3
2014-2016 BMW 2 Series coupe
2014-2016 BMW 3 Series Sport Wagon
2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo
2014-2016 BMW 4 Series convertible
2014-2016 BMW 4 Series coupe
2015-2016 BMW 2 Series convertible
2015-2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe
2015-2018 BMW X4
2016-2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e
What owners should do
NHTSA said BMW expects to begin mailing owner notification letters on December 25, 2026. The agency also expects its recall lookup to identify affected vehicles by VIN or license plate beginning that day.
Owners should follow the park-outside warning now rather than wait for a letter. They can contact BMW at 800-525-7417 or NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236 for information about the recall.
Owners can check recall information through NHTSA’s online search tool. The agency cautions that its VIN and license plate searches may not immediately show recently announced recalls.
