BMW Recalls 7.2 Lakh Vehicles Over Water Pump Fire Risk Following 10 Incidents

If you keep an older BMW parked inside your garage, roll it outside immediately.

Federal safety regulators have issued an urgent advisory covering 720,796 BMW sedans, coupes, and crossovers across the United States. The problem sits inside the engine bay: an electrical connector on the water pump can short-circuit and ignite, even after you turn the ignition off and walk away.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warned owners to park their cars strictly outdoors and far from buildings or adjacent vehicles until technicians complete an authorized fix.

The Short-Circuit Hazard Under the Hood

The vulnerability stems from an improperly sealed electrical plug on the engine's coolant pump. Moisture can bypass the defective seal and seep into the electrical housing. Once liquid bridges the contacts, a short circuit follows — driving thermal runaway that can spark an open flame while the car sits idle.

This is not the first time these specific powerplants have faced scrutiny. BMW recalled these vehicles earlier in 2024 over water pump defects, yet that remedy failed to resolve the underlying hazard.

Ten separate vehicle fires have broken out after owners completed the initial 2024 recall repairs, according to agency filings. The recurrence forced federal watchdogs to escalate safety warnings while BMW engineers formulate a secondary remedy.

Next Steps for Vehicle Owners

BMW confirmed that engineering teams are actively finalizing a revised mechanical and electrical repair procedure. The automaker has not yet announced a formal launch date for dealership service appointments under this second campaign.

Until service departments receive approved replacement components and updated repair bulletins, NHTSA maintains its unconditional directive: leave these vehicles parked in open driveways or outdoor lots, well clear of homes and carports.