Jul 10, 2026Transmission & drivetrainElectrical systemEngine
Starter engine failure. Car failed to start multiple times. Major safety hazard that can cause a short circuit, melt wiring harnesses, and spark an engine bay fire posing an immediate threat to life. Problem was inspected and confirmed by a dealer. Multiple waring lamps and messages appeared. Dealer report stated: STARTER MOTOR FAULTY. ENGINE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM CONCERN: C/S: REPEAT START ATTEMPT INTERMITTEN WARNING LIGHTS. Please issue recall for the safety of all drivers.
NHTSA ODI 11749530
May 6, 2026Electrical system
The recall 25V-636 remains unresolved after more than 6 month passed since the manufacturer issued the campaign regarding the engine starter. I would like to see the NHTSA to put the manufacturer on notice that this is unacceptable. We cannot park the vehicle outside of structures permanently as this devalues the vehicle and creates a loss of use.
NHTSA ODI 11736037
Mar 19, 2026Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI 11725600
Dec 2, 2025Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System). The contact called a local dealer several times and was advised that the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not informed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA ODI 11702557
Nov 28, 2025Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 BMW 530I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V636000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the remote starter of the vehicle had failed to function as intended, and the key fob was inoperable. The contact replaced the key fob battery three times, but the failure persisted. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic to have the brakes replaced, the mechanic informed the contact of the remote starter failure. Additionally, the contact stated that the brakes had been replaced three times. The independent mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA ODI 11701909
Jul 9, 2024Electrical systemFuel systemFire
My family was driving home on California [XXX] approaching [XXX]. Suddenly we saw heavy white smoke coming from our vehicle. Vehicles behind us had to almost stop as the smoke was very thick and covered all lanes. We pulled over and turned off the car. I started checking the control panel for any issues or alerts and found none. We never received any indication of issues in the control panel or dashboard. My husband got out of the car and inspected the tires which were all ok. He opened the hood and immediately saw flames from the center bottom of the hood. We all got out of the vehicle immediately and called 911. California Highway Patrol arrived and soon after Cal Fire arrived. Within 10 minutes my car was engulfed in flames and only the trunk area was sparred. I believe this was a malfunction or defect in the battery or electrical as we did not get any warning of engine issues or overheating. There have been several recalls on this model for battery defects which can lead to fire. My family's safety was put at risk as these batteries are highly combustible and could have exploded with us in the car. We had no warning whatsoever to immediately get out of the car and we were sitting there for at least 5-8 minutes trying to figure out what the issue was and who to call. I don't know at what point the car locked itself as the firemen had to use the jaws of life to open a door for the VIN. What if the car would have locked when we were still inside. I filed a claim with my insurance and they are deeming it a total loss based on the photos. I contacted the BMW service center and they said they can't do anything and I have to go through the insurance to have the car inspected. I asked if BMW will be sending someone to determine the cause and the rep said no. I sense that BMW does not want to do a thorough inspection of what caused the fire as the vehicle is still under manufacturer warranty and they would have to replace the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA ODI 11600531
Jan 28, 2022Electrical system
2021 BMW 540I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MULTIPLE DEFECTS DUE TO BATTERY MANAGEMENT ISSUE. THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED MULITPLE OCCASIONS OF FAILURES WITH THE BREAKING SYSTEM. THE DRIVER HAD TO PRESS THE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR IN ORDER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING, THE AUTOSTART ENGAGED INDEPENDTLY, AND LIGHTING/SPEAKER/SUNROOF MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI 11449238