Recall 26V096 covers 58,713 2023-2026 BMW vehicles for A/C wiring damage. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 58,713 2023-2026 vehicles, including the I7 XDRIVE60 and I5 EDRIVE40, because the air conditioning wiring harness can be damaged during cabin air filter replacement. A damaged harness can short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air conditioning system has an electrical wiring harness, a bundle of wires that carries power and signals to the climate-control parts. On the 2023-2026 BMW vehicles in this recall, part of that harness sits close to the cabin air filter housing cover. The cabin air filter is the service item that cleans air before it enters the cabin.
During a cabin air filter replacement, the cover hardware can damage the nearby harness. If the wire insulation is cut or pinched, electricity can arc or short-circuit instead of staying inside the wire path. That creates heat in a tight area near the filter housing and can lead to a thermal event or fire.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver will not have a reliable dashboard alert or driving symptom before the wiring is damaged during service.
Who's affected?
Spans 9 BMW model lines across the 2023-2026 model years, all tied to wiring routing. VINs became searchable on April 13, 2026.
| 2024 BMW I7 EDRIVE50 | wiring |
|---|---|
| 2025 BMW I7 XDRIVE60 | wiring |
| 2024 BMW I7 XDRIVE60 | wiring |
| 2023 BMW I7 XDRIVE60 | wiring |
| 2024 BMW I5 EDRIVE40 | wiring |
| 2025 BMW I5 EDRIVE40 | wiring |
| 2025 BMW I5 XDRIVE40 | wiring |
| 2025 BMW 550E Xdrive | wiring |
| 2025 BMW 750E Xdrive | wiring |
| 2025 BMW I5 M60 Xdrive | wiring |
| 2025 BMW I7 EDRIVE50 | wiring |
| 2024 BMW I5 M60 Xdrive | wiring |
| 2026 BMW I5 XDRIVE40 | wiring |
| 2026 BMW I5 EDRIVE40 | wiring |
| 2025 BMW M5 Sportswagon | wiring |
| 2024 BMW 750E Xdrive | wiring |
| 2026 BMW 550E Xdrive | wiring |
| 2026 BMW M5 | wiring |
| 2025 BMW M5 | wiring |
| Units affected | 58,713 |
| 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 damaged air conditioning wiring harness can short-circuit and increase the risk of a fire. If your VIN is included, arrange the dealer inspection and harness work soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2023-2026 BMW I7 EDRIVE50, I7 XDRIVE60, I5 EDRIVE40, I5 XDRIVE40, 550E Xdrive, 750E Xdrive, I5 M60 Xdrive, M5 Sportswagon, or M5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free air-conditioning wiring-harness inspection and repair that prevents harness damage from causing a short circuit.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. Reference recall number 26V096 when you call.
- Avoid replacing the cabin air filter yourself until the BMW dealer completes the harness inspection and repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the air conditioning system's electrical wiring harness for damage from cabin air filter service. If the harness is damaged, the technician replaces it and adds the retaining strap or bracket needed to secure it. The recall repair, including parts and labor, is free now. If you already paid for this remedy before the recall notice, BMW Group's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk or contact BMW customer service for the reimbursement process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 19, 2026 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 19, 2026 | Dealer notification began |
| February 19, 2026 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 13, 2026 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 16, 2026 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 26V096?
Recall 26V096 covers 58,713 2023-2026 BMW vehicles with an air-conditioning wiring-harness issue. The harness can be damaged during cabin air filter replacement, short-circuit, and increase fire risk. BMW dealers will inspect the harness, replace it as needed, and add a retaining strap or bracket for free.
What should I do if my 2023-2026 BMW vehicle is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 26V096. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the wiring-harness inspection and repair. Reference recall number 26V096 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW says dealers will inspect and replace the air-conditioning system wiring harness and add the retaining strap or bracket as needed free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my BMW before the recall repair?
BMW has not issued do-not-drive or park-outside instructions for recall 26V096. The safety risk is fire from a damaged air-conditioning wiring harness that short-circuits. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free dealer repair, and ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you smell burning or see electrical issues.
When did BMW notify owners about recall 26V096?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on April 16, 2026. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether the recall applies. Check your VIN, then contact a franchised BMW dealer if your vehicle is included.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V096000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 26V096 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 26V096000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (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 →