BMW recalls 29,000 cars over engine fire risk, warns owners to park outside

BMW has issued a recall affecting more than 29,000 plug-in hybrid sedans due to an engine fire risk linked to a corrosion problem involving the engine starter relay. The automaker warns that if the component deteriorates, it could overheat, short-circuit, and increase the chance of a fire. The affected models, as reported by Cars.com, include certain 2016-18 BMW 330e sedans, 2018-20 BMW 530e sedans, and 2017-19 BMW 740Le sedans. Until the repair is completed, BMW is instructing owners not to keep the vehicles in garages or near buildings, asking them to park outdoors away from structures. Dealers will replace the engine starter at no cost. BMW says owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 28, 2026, and VIN search on NHTSA.gov will become available the same day.