BMW Issues Recall for Over 87,000 U.S. Cars Due to Starter Overheating Concerns

BMW Recalls 87,394 Vehicles Due to Engine Starter Issue

BMW of North America has issued a safety recall for 87,394 vehicles in the U.S. after discovering an issue with the engine starter that could result in overheating and, in extreme cases, a fire. The recall, identified as NHTSA Recall No. 26V056 and documented in BMW’s Part 573 submission on January 30, 2026, encompasses a wide range of BMW models, including the 2021–2023 Toyota Supra.

The affected vehicles listed in the recall include the 2021–2023 Toyota Supra, 2022–2023 BMW 2 Series Coupé, 2021–2024 BMW 5 Series, 2021–2022 BMW Z4 sDrive30i, 2022–2024 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, 2021–2024 BMW 4 Series Convertible, 2021–2023 BMW 4 Series Coupé, 2021–2024 BMW 3 Series, and 2021–2023 BMW X4 and X3.

BMW explains that the issue arises from unexpected wear on an internal component of the starter, which can lead to malfunctions and, more critically, overheating that may cause a fire. The company’s investigation, initiated in September 2025 after field incidents, uncovered instances of thermal damage in starters between October 2024 and March 2025.

To address the problem, BMW will replace the engine starter at no cost to owners. The company will commence owner notifications and VIN lookups on March 24, 2026. Owners are advised to check their VIN on NHTSA.gov once the database is updated. For assistance, BMW and Toyota have dedicated customer service lines available.