The Recall Desk
HighNHTSA·20V761000·Announced 2020-09-12

2021 BMW vehicles recalled for defective 48-Volt battery connections

BMW is recalling certain 2021 model vehicles due to improper assembly of the 48-Volt battery and starter-generator connection, which can increase electrical resistance and fire risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the connection if necessary.

What this means for you

Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.

Our severity reasoning: Improper electrical assembly creates potential fire risk in the vehicle. No fires, injuries, or property damage have been reported. Per the rubric, risk-of-harm recalls without reported incidents score as High (3).

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2021 BMW vehicles due to a defective electrical connection.

The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, causing increased electrical resistance at the connection point. This condition can increase the risk of fire.

Affected models include the M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i, all 2021 model year.

BMW will notify owners. Dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The remedy was expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
2021 BMW M340I
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Electrical System
Hazard
  • fire-risk
  • electrical-resistance
  • battery-connection
Affected units
812

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (9)

  • M340I
  • 840I
  • M440I
  • 530I
  • 540I
  • 740LI
  • X5
  • X6
  • X7

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · BMW

Same category