The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced that BMW has initiated a large-scale recall in the US, affecting 720,796 vehicles. The electrical connector for the water pump poses a risk of short-circuiting and fire, with a potential for spontaneous combustion even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. Officials advise owners to park outdoors, away from buildings and other vehicles.
This recall, numbered 26V-733, covers over ten BMW models produced between 2012 and 2018, including the 3 Series (2012–2016), 3 Series Sports Wagon (2014–2016), 328xi Gran Turismo (2014–2016), 2 Series Coupe (2014–2016), 2 Series Convertible (2015–2016), 4 Series Coupe and Convertible (2014–2016), 4 Series Gran Coupe (2015–2016), 5 Series (2012–2016), X1 (2012–2015), X3 (2013–2017), X4 (2015–2018), X5 xDrive40e Plug-in Hybrid (2016–2018), and Z4 (2012–2016).
All affected vehicles are equipped with BMW's N20 or N26 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Specific models include the 228i, 328i, 428i and xDrive versions, 528i, X1/X3/X4 28i, Z4 sDrive28i, and X5 xDrive40e.
Notably, this is the second recall for the same batch of vehicles. In 2024, BMW issued a recall (No. 24V-608) due to water pump connector issues, determining that liquid escaping from the crankcase ventilation system accumulated on the intake hose and dripped onto the water pump plug connector, causing short circuits. The repair involved inspecting the water pump and connector, replacing them if damaged, and installing a splash guard above the connector.
However, this time the issue lies with the connector itself. Subsequent testing by BMW revealed that the connector material ages and cracks, allowing moisture to seep into the water pump and cause short circuits. The splash guard is ineffective against cracking in the plastic components themselves.
More critically, all approximately 10 known fire incidents involving BMW occurred in vehicles that had already undergone the 2024 repair. In April 2025, a BMW 5 Series in a non-US market experienced a water pump thermal overload event after repair, prompting BMW to re-evaluate. On October 28, BMW decided to issue another recall for these vehicles.
BMW has not yet developed a final repair solution or announced when parts will be available. Even owners who completed the 2024 repair must wait for the new fix. The NHTSA emphasized that previously repaired vehicles also require this new round of repairs. BMW will begin mailing notification letters to owners on December 25, 2026, and VIN and license plate lookup will be available on their website on the same day.