BMW X4, X5 and others: water pump short-circuit fire risk
critical How serious is it? About this label
This is a fire risk, which is very serious, and while the notice does not tell owners to park the vehicle or keep it outside, you should have it inspected as soon as you can.
What's wrong, in plain English
A wide range of BMW models from 2012 through 2018 are covered. The electrical plug that connects to the water pump, which circulates coolant to keep the engine from overheating, may not be sealed properly. Water can get into that connection and cause an electrical short. An electrical short in that area can start a fire. Dealers will check the pump and its plug, replace them if needed, and add a protective shield, all free.
What you should do
Affected vehicles (2)
Who to contact
BMW — official BMW recall lookup
Customer service: 1-800-525-7417
The bigger picture
- Which BMW engine recalls are fire and stall risks? · all 4 BMW recalls in this area
Official notice
- Component
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:PUMP
- Summary
- BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
- Safety risk
- An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.