BMW Recalls Over 700,000 Vehicles Due to Water Pump Short Circuit Risk

The automaker is aware of more than a dozen reports of problems with the water pump seals, which may increase the risk of electrical shorts and fires.

BMW is recalling more than 700,000 BMW vehicles equipped with faulty water pump seals, which may allow water to enter the electrical components and cause a short circuit, creating a risk of vehicle fires.

The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced the BMW water pump recall on August 19, indicating that the impacted vehicles may contain improperly sealed electrical connectors on the water pump, which could become exposed to water and cause a thermal event.

While the automaker is not aware of any fires or accidents, BMW has received at least 18 complaints from vehicle owners related to the issue.

BMW became aware of the first thermal event in the U.S. market related to a water pump in January 2024, and subsequently opened a field investigation to determine the root cause. While collecting parts for inspection, the automaker became aware of 17 additional consumer complaints related to the water pumps and associated electric plug connectors.

In July, BMW held discussions with its parts supplier and determined that liquid from the engine’s positive crankcase ventilation system may accumulate on the intake air hose. If this happens, the liquid can drip onto the plug connector. Over time, this could allow the liquid to seep into the improperly sealed plug, potentially causing a short circuit.

BMW ultimately determined the problem could result in a fire and injury risk to customers, and initiated a voluntary safety recall of approximately 720,796 BMW vehicles equipped with potentially faulty components, including;

• 2012-2016 BMW 328I
• 2012-2016 BMW 328XI
• 2012-2016 BMW 528I
• 2012-2015 BMW X1
• 2012-2016 BMW Z4
• 2013-2017 BMW X3
• 2014-2016 BMW 228I
• 2014-2016 BMW 228XI
• 2014-2016 BMW 428I
• 2015-2016 BMW 428XI
• 2015-2018 BMW X4
• 2016-2018 BMW X5

The automaker announced that owners will begin receiving notification letters with instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealers, where dealers will be instructed to inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, as well as install a protective shield to divert any fluid that may drop onto the pump, free of charge.

Owners who have had this remedy performed at their own expense prior to the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement according to the BMW Group’s reimbursement plan.

Customers with additional questions may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the BMW of North America, LLC’s contact for this recall, DeMara Magruder, who may be reached by email at demara.magruder@dot.gov. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.