The rough month for recalls BMW had in July is now bleeding into August with yet another safety missive. Late in July, the automaker recalled more than 291,000 examples of its X3 SUV over an issue with the cargo rails, and a couple of weeks before that, the automaker issued a follow-up recall for nearly 400,000 3 Series vehicles for the long-running Takata airbag crisis. Now, BMW is recalling more than 105,000 vehicles over an issue with the starter motor, which may fail and overheat.
Affected vehicles include model-year 2019-20 X5 and X7 SUVs; model-year 2020 3 Series sedans and 8 Series convertibles, coupes and Gran Coupes; and model-year 2020-21 7 Series sedans. The engine starter in these vehicles may have some mechanical damage that could prevent the vehicle from starting. Repeated attempts to start the engine may cause an electrical overload of the starter, resulting in overheating and the risk of a fire.
To fix the issue, dealers will update the software for free. BMW will notify owners Sept. 23, but those with further questions can contact the automaker at 800-525-7417, NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236, or visit its website to check your vehicle identification number and learn more.
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Corinne Vercoe
Corinne Vercoe has been writing professionally for 10 years. She began producing and editing content for the automotive industry in 2018, joining Cars.com as Copy Editor in 2021. She is a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Association and inherited an interest in cars from her father, a lifelong Chevrolet Corvette enthusiast.