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Oh, just typical BMW: 'Your Water Pump Might Set Your Car Ablaze, No Biggie!'

Oh, fantastic! BMW finally made something truly exclusive: a recall for nearly 721,000 "ultimate driving machines." Who knew the X1, X3, X4, and X5 would become the X-Factors in a massive automotive oopsie? Thanks, NHTSA, for the eco-unfriendly flashback.

Published August 21, 2024 at 2:32pm by Ahjané Forbes

🔥 Hot Mess Alert: Over 700,000 BMWs Recalled for Fire Risk 🔥

Oh, the irony! The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) just dropped a bombshell recall for over 720,000 BMW vehicles. Why? Because a water pump malfunction might turn your fancy ride into a literal hot mess – on fire! 🔥

BMW, the epitome of luxury, is recalling 720,796 of its 2012-2018 vehicles. If you thought you were safe in your shiny X1, X3, X4, or X5, think again! The NHTSA report released on Aug. 19 reveals that an “improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.” Yep, your $50,000+ car could become a mobile bonfire. Thanks, BMW!

But don’t worry, BMW dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector – for free! They’ll even install a protective shield. Recall notification letters are expected to be sent on Oct. 4. Feel free to give BMW customer service a piece of your mind at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW vehicles on the hot seat:

2014-2016 228i
2014-2016 228xi
2012-2016 328i
2012-2016 328xi
2014-2016 428i
2015-2016 428xi
2012-2016 528i
2012-2015 X1
2013-2017 X3
2015-2018 X4
2016-2018 X5
2012-2016 Z4

Check car recalls here: Ford, General Motors among 221,000 vehicles recalled

BMW’s Bonfire Bonanza Continues: Over 100,000 Cars Recalled

In case you missed it, BMW recalled over 105,588 crossovers and sedans earlier this month due to – you guessed it – fire risk! The NHTSA report posted on Aug. 7 details issues with the starter motor that could prevent your car from starting, cause electrical overload, and result in a fiery engine compartment.

Some affected vehicles might have trouble starting due to starter motor failure. Repeated attempts to start the vehicle could overheat the motor, potentially igniting combustible materials in the engine. It’s like a high-tech version of starting a campfire, but less cozy and more dangerous.

BMW dealers will update the vehicle software for free. Recall notification letters are expected to be delivered by Sept. 23. Feel free to vent to BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

More BMW vehicles in the danger zone:

2020 340xi
2020-2021 740i
2020-2021 740xi
2020 840i
2020 840xi
2020 M340i
2019-2020 X5
2020 X6
2019-2020 X7

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at aforbes@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.