The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 340I, X6, 2020-2025 840I, 2020-2022 740LI, 2019-2020 X7, and X5 vehicles. After repeated attempts, the starter motor may overheat from an electrical overload.
The risk
An overheated starter motor can ignite nearby combustible material in the engine compartment, increasing the risk of a fire.
The fix
Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov November 17, 2025.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 25V-644 (25V644000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Electrical system › Starter assembly |
| Report date | September 25, 2025 |
| Owners notified | February 9, 2026 |
| Vehicles affected | 145,102 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2020 BMW 740li
- 2021 BMW 740li
- 2020 BMW 840i
- 2021 BMW 840i
- 2022 BMW 840i
- 2023 BMW 840i
- 2024 BMW 840i
- 2025 BMW 840i
- 2019 BMW X5
- 2020 BMW X5
- 2020 BMW X6
- 2019 BMW X7
- 2020 BMW X7
Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the electrical system
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 25V-644 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Dealers will replace the engine starter, free of charge. This recall includes vehicles repaired under recall 24V576 and those owners will need to have their vehicle repaired again. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2026.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 145,102 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.