BMW water pumps recalled due to ‘thermal incident’

August 21, 2024 — BMW is recalling more than 720,000 water pumps because they could short-circuit and catch fire.

• 2012-2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i

• 2012-2015 BMW X1 xDrive28i

• 2012-2016 BMW Z4 sDrive28i

• 2012-2016 BMW 528i

• 2012-2016 BMW 528i xDrive

• 2012-2016 BMW 328i

• 2012-2016 BMW 328xi

• 2016-2018 BMW X5 xdrive 40e

• 2014-2016 BMW 228i

• 2014-2016 BMW 228xi

• 2014-2016 BMW 428i

• 2014-2016 BMW 428i xDrive

• 2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo

• 2013-2017 BMW X3 sDrive28i

• 2013-2017 BMW X3 xDrive28i

• 2015-2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i

• 2015-2016 BMW 428xi

BMW said the problem was with the water pump’s electrical plug connector.

“Fluid leaking from the positive crankcase ventilation system may collect on the intake hose. If this happens, then this fluid may drip onto the plug connector. Over time, this may cause fluid to enter the plug and potentially cause a short circuit.” – BMW

BMW believes only about 1% of its vehicles may have the problem, and the automaker said “thermal events” could occur, but fires are said to be rare.

BMW learned about the problem from a thermal incident in South Korea, and searching for other incidents led to water pump incidents in the U.S.

As of August 2024, BMW has been informed of “18 customer complaints, concerns and/or field instances in the U.S. market that are related or potentially related to the issues identified in this report.”

But there have been no known accidents or injuries.

The BMW water pump recall letter is expected to be mailed on October 4, 2024. BMW dealers will install a protective cover and, if necessary, replace the water pump and plug connector.

The guard is installed to divert any fluid that may drip from the crankcase positive ventilation intake hose onto the pump.

Owners with questions about the BMW water pump recall can call 800-525-7417.