BMW South Africa has issued a recall for more than 12,000 vehicles sold locally since 2016 due to a potential starter motor defect that could lead to engine failure or even a vehicle fire.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) confirmed that a total of 12,491 vehicles are affected. The recall covers several popular models, including the BMW 3 Series (G20), 4 Series (G22), 5 Series (G30), Z4 (G29), X3 (G01), and X4 (G02).
According to BMW, internal product checks and customer feedback revealed that water can enter the starter motor in certain conditions, leading to corrosion. “This may prevent the engine from starting. It can also cause a short circuit and, in extreme cases, local overheating of the starter,” said NCC spokesperson Phetho Ntaba. “In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a vehicle fire — even if the vehicle is parked.”
Drivers are urged to exercise caution and avoid driving through deep water or allowing their vehicles to become submerged, which could increase the risk of damage to the starter motor. Ntaba warned that in rare cases, this defect could pose a risk of injury or property damage.
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BMW has advised owners of the affected vehicles to book an appointment with their nearest authorised BMW dealership to have the faulty starter motor replaced. The repair will be carried out free of charge.
Vehicle owners can check whether their car is part of the recall by visiting BMW’s technical campaigns portal or by monitoring their in-car communication system for recall notifications.
The NCC urged consumers to act promptly, saying that ignoring a recall notice — especially one linked to a potential fire hazard — could put both lives and property at risk.
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