Recall 16V746 affects 136,188 2007-2012 BMW vehicles for loose fuel-pump wires that can cause leaks or stalling. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 136,188 2007-2012 X5, X6, and 5-SERIES Gran Turismo vehicles because in-tank fuel pump wire contacts were not crimped tightly enough. Loose wires can melt the connector, create a fuel leak, or stop the fuel pump, which increases crash risk; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The in-tank fuel pump on affected 2007-2012 BMW vehicles sits inside the fuel tank and sends gasoline to the engine at steady pressure. It is part of the fuel delivery module, which keeps fuel moving from the tank to the engine whenever the vehicle is running.
The problem is in the pump connector, where the wire contacts were not crimped tightly enough. A crimp is the mechanical squeeze that holds a wire to its metal terminal. When that connection is loose, electrical contact at the pump becomes unreliable. If contact is lost, the pump stops delivering fuel, which leads to fuel odor, a no-start condition, or engine stalling while driving.
The warning sign BMW identified is the Malfunction Indicator Lamp, also called the check engine light. It turns on when the evaporative fuel tank leak diagnostic system detects the problem, and owners also reported fuel smell or a vehicle that would not start.
Who's affected?
Spans 10 BMW model lines across 2007-2012, all tied to the fuel pump delivery system.
| 2007 BMW X5 | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 535I | fuel system |
| 2012 BMW 528I | fuel system |
| 2010 BMW 5-SERIES Gran Turismo | fuel system |
| 2012 BMW 640I | fuel system |
| 2012 BMW 550I | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW 535I | fuel system |
| 2009 BMW X5 | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW 550I | fuel system |
| 2012 BMW 650I | fuel system |
| 2009 BMW X6 | fuel system |
| 2008 BMW X6 | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW X6 Activehybrid Sac | fuel system |
| 2010 BMW X6 Activehybrid Sac | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW 5-SERIES Gran Turismo | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW 528I | fuel system |
| 2008 BMW X5 | fuel system |
| 2010 BMW X5 | fuel system |
| 2010 BMW X6 | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW X5 | fuel system |
| 2011 BMW X6 | fuel system |
| 2012 BMW 535I Activehybrid | fuel system |
| Units affected | 136,188 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
A loose fuel pump connector can melt and leak fuel. The fuel pump can also stop working, causing the engine to stall and increasing crash risk. If the malfunction indicator lamp comes on, schedule service promptly and drive cautiously until the dealer checks the vehicle. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2012 BMW X5, 535I, 528I, 5-SERIES Gran Turismo, 640I, 550I, 650I, X6, X6 Activehybrid Sac, or 535I Activehybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free fuel-pump module replacement that addresses loose in-tank pump wiring, fuel leaks, and stalling.
- Bring any recall notice BMW mailed, or reference recall number 16V746 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
- Avoid driving if you see a fuel leak or the engine stalls; contact the BMW dealer before moving the vehicle again.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the fuel pump module in the tank. The recall repair is free, and BMW covers the replacement parts and labor. This repair addresses the insufficiently crimped wire contacts in the in-tank fuel pump described in NHTSA campaign 16V746. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid for this related repair before the recall work was performed. Bring documentation of the prior repair and payment to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 13, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| October 17, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| December 5, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V746?
Recall 16V746 covers 136,188 2007-2012 BMW vehicles with in-tank fuel pump wire contacts that were not crimped tightly enough. Loose wires can melt the connector, cause a fuel leak, stop the fuel pump, stall the engine, and increase crash risk. BMW dealers replace the fuel pump module for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2012 BMW X5, 535I, 528I, 5-SERIES Gran Turismo, 640I, 550I, 650I, X6, X6 Activehybrid Sac, or 535I Activehybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 16V746. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the fuel pump module replacement. Reference recall number 16V746 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. BMW will replace the fuel pump module free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer, including parts and labor.
Is it safe to drive my BMW before the fuel pump recall repair?
BMW has not issued a stop-driving instruction for recall 16V746. The risk is fuel leakage or engine stall from loose in-tank fuel pump wiring. If you smell fuel, see a fuel leak, or the engine stalls, stop in a safe place and ask a BMW dealer about towing.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Safety recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 16V746.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V746000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V746 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V746000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →