BMW is recalling more than 145,000 vehicles due to a potential fire risk linked to an overheated starter. The safety recall involves the engine starter, which may fail to start the vehicle properly in certain cases. This improper starting could cause local overheating of the engine starter, according to a recall notice.

The affected models include 2020 340I, X7, and X5 vehicles, as reported by the auto safety regulator. BMW dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) stated. Earlier this week, NHTSA announced a separate recall of nearly 196,000 U.S. vehicles over similar engine starter issues that could lead to overheating and short circuits.

The NHTSA noted that in some instances, the engine starter might not start the car correctly, potentially causing overheating. If the starter overheats locally during starting, the engine acoustic protection material could ignite if contaminated, leading to a thermal event while driving or shortly after parking.

Owners will receive notification by mail and be directed to authorized BMW dealers for replacement of the starter with a redesigned unit. In related developments, Kia recalled nearly 40,000 vehicles due to a faulty HVAC system that posed a fire risk. The recall targets 2021–2023 Sorento models, where inadequate HVAC blower motor wiring harnesses could result in fires.