BMW Recalls Nearly 721K Vehicles In US Over Short Circuit Worries: Both Gas And Hybrid Electric Cars Affected

German automaker BMW BMWYY is recalling 720,796 vehicles in the U.S. owing to concerns of a short circuit and increased risks of fire.

What Happened: The recall population includes several model years of both gas and hybrid electric vehicles. Several units of X5, X3, and even a few units of the 2 series convertible are included in the recall.

An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump of some of these vehicles may short circuit on being exposed to water, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said. This may increase the risk of a fire, the auto safety regulator added.

As for a solution, the company’s dealers will inspect and replace the water pump as well as the plug connector if required and install a protective shield at no cost to the customer, the regulator said.

Why It Matters: BMW took cognizance of the issue after it was contacted by the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport regarding an incident involving a thermal event in March earlier this year.

While the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue, it is aware of about 18 related customer concerns in the U.S. market, the regulator added.

Earlier this month, BMW recalled over 105,000 vehicles citing concerns of a starter motor overheating and increasing the risks of fire in the engine compartment.

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