Recall 25V109 affects 114 2025 BMW X3 vehicles for an overheated battery-cable connection. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 114 2025 X3 30 xDrive vehicles because the positive battery cable connection to the starter-generator has a tightening defect that can overheat. An overheated connection can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash or fire; BMW dealers will repair the connection free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The positive battery cable on the 2025 BMW X3 carries electrical power from the battery to the starter-generator. The starter-generator helps start the engine and supports the vehicle's electrical system. That connection needs a tight, clean contact so current flows without excess resistance or heat.
On affected X3 vehicles, the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter-generator was not tightened to the required specification during rework. A loose or out-of-specification connection creates resistance at the contact point. As current passes through that poor connection, the area can overheat, melt the plastic cap, or begin to smolder in the engine compartment.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a vehicle that will not start, heat damage near the connection, or smoldering under the hood.
Who's affected?
| 2025 BMW X3 | battery |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 114 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2025 BMW X3 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
An overheated battery cable connection can stall the engine and increase the risk of a crash. The same overheated cable also raises the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and drive cautiously until the dealer completes it. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2025 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free inspection and repair for the positive battery cable connection at the starter-generator.
- Ask the dealer to tighten the connection, or replace the positive battery cable and starter-generator, to address the overheating connection that can stall the engine or raise fire risk.
- Bring the owner letter if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 25V109 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop in a safe place if the engine stalls.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the connection between the positive battery cable and the starter generator. The technician tightens that connection, or replaces the positive battery cable and starter generator if the inspection shows replacement is needed. Parts and labor are covered under the recall. Prior repairs for this condition are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program. Ask the service desk how warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 21, 2025 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 21, 2025 | Dealer notification began |
| February 21, 2025 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 15, 2025 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 15, 2025 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 5, 2025 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 25V109?
Recall 25V109 covers 114 2025 BMW X3 30 xDrive vehicles with a positive battery cable connection at the starter-generator that was improperly tightened. The connection can overheat, stall the engine, or increase fire risk. BMW dealers will inspect and repair the connection for free.
What should I do if my 2025 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X3 is included in recall 25V109. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the battery cable and starter-generator inspection. The dealer will tighten the connection or replace parts as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW dealers will inspect and tighten the positive battery cable connection, or replace the positive battery cable and starter-generator if needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2025 BMW X3 before the repair?
BMW's filing does not tell owners to stop driving, but the defect is safety-related. An overheated battery cable connection can cause an engine stall and increase crash risk. It also increases fire risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
When were BMW X3 owners notified about recall 25V109?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on June 5, 2025. If you bought the X3 used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included, then reference recall 25V109 when you call a BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/25V109000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 25V109 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 25V109000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 19, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →