NHTSA safety recall National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

BMW recall: The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come

Recall published 1+ years ago

The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.

The hazard: Loss of drive power or rollaway

This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

What the notice says: A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

Why it matters: The vehicle may stall, lose motive power while being driven, or roll away after being left in park. A stall at speed removes power steering and power braking assistance at the same moment.

Recall details

Recall number
25V202000
Published
April 1, 2025
Risk level
NHTSA safety recall
Status
Open safety recall
Issued by
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Brand
BMW of
Product type
Electrical System
Distribution
Nationwide
Vehicles
BMW 430i · BMW 430i xDrive · BMW X3
Lot / code info
NHTSA campaign number 25V202000

Products covered by this recall

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 330i, 330i xDrive, 530i, 530i xDrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive) and X3 30 xDrive vehicles. The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose.

Vehicles in this campaign

Check your product

The notice names 9 codes you can read straight off the package. Type the one printed on yours and the list below narrows to it.

Vehicle

Match this against the make and model on your registration.

  • 330i
  • 330i xDrive
  • 530i
  • 530i xDrive
  • 4 Series Coupe (430i
  • 430i xDrive)
  • 4 Series Convertible (430i
  • 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i
  • X3 30 xDrive

Codes are lifted verbatim from the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls notice. A code that is missing here may still be covered — the official notice is the complete list.

What to do about Power loss

BMW of — This campaign covers a loss of drive power or an unintended rollaway, where the vehicle stops doing what the driver asked of it.

  1. If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.
  2. Check your own VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you do anything else. A campaign covers a build range, not every car of that model year, and the VIN lookup is the only thing that confirms yours is included.
  3. Call any franchised dealer for the brand, give them the campaign number from this page, and ask them to confirm parts are in stock before you book — part supply, not labour, is what delays a fresh recall.
  4. Until it is repaired, always set the parking brake as well as selecting park, and turn the front wheels towards the kerb on a slope.

Costs, reimbursement and your rights

The repair itself is free. What people most often miss is that money already spent can frequently be claimed back.

  • If you paid for the same repair out of pocket before the recall was announced, ask the manufacturer for reimbursement. Carmakers must run a reimbursement plan for pre-notification repairs; you will need the original invoice.
  • Towing is normally covered where the vehicle is unsafe to drive, and loaner cars or rental reimbursement are often available on long parts delays. Neither is usually offered unless you ask.
  • A dealer may not charge a diagnostic, inspection or shop-supplies fee for recall work. If one appears on the estimate, query it before you sign.
  • If a dealer refuses the repair, delays it unreasonably or tries to bill you, complain to the manufacturer’s customer line, then to NHTSA. Those complaints are logged against the campaign.

Remedy named in the notice: Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Company contact: BMW of North America, LLC

The official notice

This page summarises a notice published by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The agency notice is the authoritative version — read it before you act, and treat it as the final word if anything here looks different.

Open the NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recalls

Questions people ask about this recall

Why was BMW of electrical system recalled?

The electrical connection between the starter-generator and battery may come loose. A loose starter-generator connection can result in an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, the wiring may overheat, increasing the risk of a fire.

How do I know if I have the recalled product?

The notice does not publish package codes for this recall. Compare the product name, size and the purchase window against the official NHTSA — Vehicle safety recalls record, and contact the company if you are unsure.

What should I do with it right now?

If the vehicle has already stalled or rolled, stop using it and tell the dealer that when you book — it moves you up the queue.

Can I get my money back?

The notice says: Dealers will inspect and replace the starter-generator and positive battery cable as necessary, free of charge. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed May 28, 2025. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Does the repair cost me anything?

No. Safety recall repairs are performed free of charge at a franchised dealer for as long as the campaign is open, whether or not the vehicle is still under warranty.

Related recalls