BMW recalls over 12,000 vehicles in SA due to starter motor defect

Zuko Komisa

The NCC announced a safety recall affecting 12,491 BMW vehicles across six different series sold since 2016 in South Africa.
The recall concerns a faulty starter motor where water entry causes corrosion, leading to short-circuiting and potential local overheating.
BMW Group South Africa will contact owners of the affected 3, 4, 5, Z4, X3, and X4 models

The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a public notice regarding a product safety recall affecting 12,491 various series of BMW vehicles in South Africa.

The recall, initiated by BMW Group South Africa, concerns a potential defect in the starter motor.

The affected models, which were sold in the country from 2016 onwards, include the 3 Series (G20), 4 Series (G22), 5 Series (G30), Z4 (G29), X3 (G01), and X4 (G02).

According to BMW, internal product controls and customer feedback indicated that on the identified vehicles, water may enter the starter motor at certain points, leading to corrosion.

This corrosion can prevent the engine from starting. Critically, it also presents a safety risk as it can cause a short circuit and subsequent local overheating of the starter unit.

BMW Group South Africa is responsible for contacting all affected owners and implementing the necessary remedial measures to ensure the safety and compliance of the vehicles. Consumers are advised to cooperate with the recall process once notified by the manufacturer.