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Campaign 26V056 Posted January 30, 2026 87,394 units

2021-2024 BMW 3/4/5, X3/X4 Recall 26V056: Starter

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 19, 2026

Recall 26V056 covers 87,394 2021-2024 BMW and Toyota vehicles for engine starter overheating and fire risk. Free repair once BMW opens it.

BMW is recalling 87,394 2021-2024 vehicles, including the 430I, Z4, Supra, X4, and X3, because wear inside the engine starter can cause it to overheat and catch fire. Fire increases the risk of injury, and the dealer repair will be free once BMW opens the final remedy.

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What's wrong?

The engine starter on the 2021-2024 BMW 430I, Z4, 330I, 530I, 230I, Supra, X4, and X3 turns the engine when you start the vehicle. When you press the start button, it uses electrical power to crank the engine until it runs on its own. The starter depends on clean internal electrical contacts and controlled current flow.

On affected vehicles, an internal starter component wears in a way it was not designed to. That wear creates abrasion, which leaves metallic material inside the electrical relay chamber, the area that helps route power to the starter. The buildup can interfere with starter operation, cause a no-start condition, and create enough heat for the starter to overheat and catch fire.

There is no warning sign before failure. If the starter acts up, the engine does not start, or you notice heat, smoke, or a burning smell near the engine area, treat it as a safety issue and keep the vehicle parked.

Who's affected?

Spans 8 model lines across 4 model years, all tied to the same engine starter electrical system.

2021 BMW 430I electrical system
2022 BMW Z4 electrical system
2021 BMW Z4 electrical system
2024 BMW 330I electrical system
2023 BMW 330I electrical system
Units affected87,394
Field incidentsNHTSA 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 vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants and people nearby. If your VIN is included, contact a BMW dealer for interim guidance and watch for the follow-up owner letter before arranging the final repair. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once BMW opens it.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2024 BMW 430I, Z4, 330I, 530I, 230I, X4, X3, or Toyota Supra is included in this recall.
  2. Wait for BMW's follow-up letter before scheduling the free engine-starter replacement that fixes the overheating fire risk.
  3. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions, and reference recall number 26V056.
  4. Limit driving until the repair opens, and stop driving if you notice smoke, a burning smell, or signs of starter overheating.

What happens at the repair

The final dealer repair is not open yet. Once BMW opens it, a BMW technician will replace the engine starter, and the recall parts and labor will be free. Until then, use the interim owner notice as the current guidance and wait for the follow-up letter that says the remedy is available. If you've already paid out of pocket for an engine-starter repair before the recall notice, BMW Group's and Toyota's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Keep your repair invoice and payment records, then contact the appropriate customer service line or ask the dealer how to submit the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 30, 2026 NHTSA published the recall
January 30, 2026 Dealer notification began
January 30, 2026 Dealer notification ended
March 24, 2026 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
March 24, 2026 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
March 27, 2026 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 26V056?

Recall 26V056 covers 87,394 2021-2024 BMW and Toyota vehicles with an engine starter that can overheat and catch fire due to wear on an internal component. Fire increases injury risk. BMW dealers will replace the starter for free once the final remedy opens.

What should I do if my 2021-2024 BMW 430I, Z4, 330I, 530I, 230I, X4, X3 or Toyota Supra is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V056. If it is included, contact a franchised BMW dealer for the affected BMW models or a Toyota dealer for the Supra, and reference recall number 26V056 when you call.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW says dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge. The remedy is still listed as interim, so ask the dealer when starter replacement appointments open for your VIN.

What is the safety risk in recall 26V056?

The safety risk is fire. BMW says the engine starter can overheat and catch fire because an internal component wears, and fire increases the risk of injury. The recall does not carry a do-not-drive instruction, but your VIN decides whether this guidance applies to your vehicle.

When will owners be notified about recall 26V056?

BMW mailed a safety-risk letter on March 27, 2026. BMW says owners will receive another letter once the remedy is available. VINs became searchable for this recall on March 24, 2026, so check your VIN before waiting for mailed notice.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V056000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #26V056
NHTSA recall # (full)26V056000

Source documents

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 →