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Campaign 26V438 Posted July 8, 2026 318,495 units

2021-2026 BMW Z4, X3 Recall 26V438: Starter Fire

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published July 26, 2026

Recall 26V438 covers 318,495 2021-2026 BMW and Toyota Supra vehicles for engine-starter overheating. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

BMW is recalling 318,495 2021-2026 vehicles, including Z4, X3, X4, and Supra models, because the engine starter can overheat and catch fire as an internal component wears. Fire increases the risk of injury, and the dealer repair will be free once BMW makes it available.

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What's wrong?

The engine starter is the electric motor that turns the engine fast enough to start. On these 2021-2026 BMW vehicles, including Z4, X3, X4, 230I, 330I, 430I, 530I, and Supra models in the recall scope, that starter sits in the starting circuit and handles a heavy electrical load each time the engine is cranked.

The problem is wear inside the starter. BMW's filing says abrasion can leave metallic material inside the starter after a large number of starting attempts. That material can interfere with normal operation, and the starter can overheat. The recall report says the overheated starter can catch fire.

There is no warning sign before failure. The engine starter also can stop working properly, which means the engine does not start when commanded.

Who's affected?

VINs become searchable on August 28, 2026; until then, the VIN-by-VIN list is not yet public.

2025 BMW Z4 electrical system
2026 BMW Z4 electrical system
2024 BMW Z4 electrical system
2023 BMW 430I Xdrive electrical system
2021 BMW 530I Xdrive electrical system
Units affected318,495
Field incidentsNHTSA has logged no field incidents to date.

A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this recall.

What's the safety risk?

A fire increases injury risk. Because the remedy is not listed as available yet, keep this recall on your repair list and contact a BMW dealer if you are concerned about driving before the repair opens. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2021-2026 BMW Z4, 430I Xdrive, 530I Xdrive, 330I Xdrive, 230I Xdrive, 230I, 330I, X4, 530I, 430I, X3, or Supra is included in this recall.
  2. Watch for the BMW owner letter expected on August 28, 2026, then contact a franchised BMW dealer for the free repair.
  3. Reference recall number 26V438 when you call the dealer or BMW customer service.
  4. Ask the dealer to replace the engine starter that can overheat and catch fire due to internal wear.
  5. Park outside and away from structures until the starter replacement is complete.

What happens at the repair

BMW has not listed the final repair as available yet. Once it opens, a BMW technician will replace the engine starter. The dealer repair will be free, with parts and labor covered under the recall. If you already paid out of pocket for this starter remedy before the recall notice, the manufacturer's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Keep receipts and repair orders so the service desk or customer care team can review the claim.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

July 8, 2026 NHTSA published the recall
July 8, 2026 Dealer notification began
July 8, 2026 Dealer notification ended
August 28, 2026 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 26V438?

Recall 26V438 covers 318,495 2021-2026 BMW and Toyota vehicles with an engine starter that can overheat and catch fire because of wear on an internal component. Fire increases injury risk. Dealers will replace the engine starter for free.

What should I do if my 2021-2026 BMW Z4, 430I Xdrive, 530I Xdrive, 330I Xdrive, 230I Xdrive, 230I, 330I, X4, 530I, 430I, X3, or Toyota Supra is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 26V438. If it is, contact a franchised dealer to schedule the engine starter replacement. Reference recall number 26V438 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. For recall 26V438, dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge.

What is the safety risk in recall 26V438?

The safety risk is fire. The engine starter can overheat and catch fire because of wear on an internal component, increasing the risk of injury. The repair path is an engine starter replacement at no charge.

When will owners be notified about recall 26V438?

BMW expects owner notification letters to be mailed on August 28, 2026. VINs for this recall are scheduled to become searchable on the same date. You can still check your VIN and call the dealer with recall number 26V438.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/26V438000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #26V438
NHTSA recall # (full)26V438000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on July 26, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →