BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3, and Z4 Recall Overview:
- Who: BMW is recalling 917,106 vehicles, many for the third time.
- Why: The recall stems from fears a faulty heater in the positive crankcase ventilation system could cause engine fires.
- Where: The recall is effective nationwide.
BMW is recalling 917,106 vehicles, many for the third time, over fears a faulty heater could cause engine fires.
In a recall notice posted by the U.S. National Highway Transport Safety Agency (NHSTA), the company says it is recalling many of its 3 Series, 5 Series, 1 Series, X5, X3 and Z4 vehicles model years 2006 through 2013 because the heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
“An electrical short can cause the PCV valve to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving, or soon after driving when parked,” the recall notice says.
BMW Drivers May Notice Smoke, Plastic Burning Odor
According to the company, the valve heater in the PCV system could have defects and “may not have been produced by the supplier to specifications,” which could, over time, lead to overheating.
The recall notice says that drivers could get a warning of the issue through the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp. It adds that smoke may be noticeable from the area near the engine compartment and a plastic burning odor may also be noticeable.
This recall expands on two previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273, for the same issue, which remained unresolved. The company says the fix for the problem is currently being developed.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed Apr. 25, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
In August 2021, BMW had to issue two separate recalls over issues that posed safety risks to drivers. In the first, a software problem was thought to be affecting the brake assist in more than 50,000 BMW cars and SUVs. The BMW brake assist may fail to function in certain conditions, making braking harder and increasing stopping distances, the automaker warned.
In the second, BMW recalled more than 21,000 vehicles, including several 2021 models, as well as the Toyota Supra, for a defective safety belt component that may affect the ability of owners to correctly install car seats in certain vehicles. The automatic locking device on the safety belt retractor may malfunction in vehicles manufactured between Nov 30, 2020, and Feb 12, 2021, the recall notice explained.
Do you own a BMW? Let us know if you’ve experienced any issues in the comments section below
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40 thoughts onBMW Recalls Almost 1M Cars Due to Risk of Engine Fires
6/03/2026 Our BMW x6 cdrive 60i caught fire after sitting for 15-20 mins upon returning from getting groceries. The heat from the fire melted the back of our other vehicle which could not he moved. Had only Liability Fire department came and put it out but it was completely melted from front to the back seat. The first owners of the car had it serviced every couple months and other car maintenance completed at BMW dealership. Trying to find a lawyer to help us get compensation for total loss BMW and repair costs of other car. I filed liability case with BMW over the phone which they have just returned. But not sure what to say. I reported to National Highway Safety for the fire in case they need it for the recall. This is just bad business for BMW. How many people have to get hurt in order for them to care.
Sorry I meant Xdrive 50i🤭