Recall 18V652 covers 3,501 2018-2019 BMW plug-in vehicles for TurboCord charger shock and fire hazards. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 3,501 2018-2019 vehicles, including the 530E, X5, I3, 330E, 740LE, and I8, because capacitors inside TurboCord Portable Chargers can fail. The charger defect creates an electrical shock or fire risk that increases the risk of injury or death, and BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The recalled part is the TurboCord Portable Charger supplied with certain 2018-2019 BMW 740LE, 530E, X5, I3, 330E, and I8 vehicles. It is the portable charging cable an owner uses to connect the plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle to an external power source. Inside the charger, a printed circuit board controls the electrical flow and depends on its capacitors to handle current correctly.
The problem is inside that circuit board. The affected charging cables were built outside specification with incompatible capacitors, so the charger does not manage electricity the way it was designed to. If a capacitor fails while the charger is in use, the cable can create a shock hazard or start a fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on smell, heat, lights, or charging behavior to confirm whether the charger is affected.
Who's affected?
The scope spans sedans, SUVs, hatchbacks, and coupes, with the same electrical equipment component listed across the 2018 and 2019 model years.
| 2018 BMW 740LE | Electrical |
|---|---|
| 2019 BMW 530E | Electrical |
| 2018 BMW 530E | Electrical |
| 2018 BMW X5 | Electrical |
| 2019 BMW 740LE | Electrical |
| 2018 BMW I3 | Electrical |
| 2018 BMW 330E | Electrical |
| 2019 BMW I8 | Electrical |
| Units affected | 3,501 |
| 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?
NHTSA campaign 18V652 identifies the safety risk as electrical shock or fire, which can increase the risk of injury or death. If your VIN is included, arrange the charging cable inspection soon and follow dealer guidance before further charging. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018-2019 BMW 740LE, 530E, X5, I3, 330E, or I8 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free TurboCord Portable Charger inspection, which checks the charging cable for capacitor failure linked to shock or fire risk.
- Bring the recall notice to the dealer, or reference recall number 18V652 when you call.
- Ask the dealer whether to keep using the TurboCord Portable Charger before the inspection because the recalled charger creates a shock or fire risk.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the TurboCord Portable Charger charging cable and replaces it when the inspection shows it needs replacement. The replacement parts and labor are free under recall 18V652. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says that warranty coverage applies to this condition. Ask the service desk how the warranty applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 20, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 21, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 21, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 12, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 22, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V652?
Recall 18V652 covers 3,501 2018-2019 BMW 740LE, 530E, X5, I3, 330E, and I8 vehicles with TurboCord Portable Charger capacitors that can fail and create an electrical shock or fire risk. BMW dealers will inspect the charging cable and replace it for free if needed.
What should I do if my 2018-2019 BMW 740LE, 530E, X5, I3, 330E, or I8 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V652. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the charging cable inspection. Reference recall number 18V652 when you call. The dealer will replace the cable for free if the inspection shows it is needed.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to complete the recall repair at no cost. BMW dealers will inspect the TurboCord Portable Charger cable and replace it free of charge if the inspection finds an affected charging cable.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is electrical shock or fire from failed capacitors inside the TurboCord Portable Charger. BMW's filing says an electrical shock or fire increases the risk of injury or death. Until the cable is inspected, follow BMW dealer guidance on charging equipment use.
When did the BMW recall repair become available?
BMW began the recall on February 22, 2019. The remedy is available now through franchised BMW dealers. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or contact a BMW dealer, and use recall number 18V652 so the service desk can find the correct campaign.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V652000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V652 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V652000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (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 Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →