by Wiring Problem
BMW has announced a recall of vehicles in the US market due to an issue with the routing of the air conditioning system wiring. Damaged wiring harnesses can lead to a short circuit and overheating. Fortunately, there are no reports of injuries, and dealers will fix the defect free of charge.
Scale of the Recall
The issue of wiring routing inside a vehicle is critically important. BMW is forced to address it because nearly 59,000 vehicles have wiring positioned in a way that could cause a fire. This affects some of the brand’s key models.
According to the manufacturer, a total of 58,713 vehicles may have a wiring issue that could be revealed during cabin air filter service. The list includes the 2025 M5 Touring, 7 Series models from 2023-2025, and 5 Series models from 2024-2026. The 5 Series and 7 Series population also includes the electric i5 and i7 variants.
History of Problem Discovery
The recall history dates back to March 2025, when BMW received data on “several field incidents where thermal events were recorded.” These incidents involved several 2023 and 2024 7 Series sedans, with dates spanning late 2024 to early 2025.
After conducting a series of tests throughout 2025, the company concluded between January and February of this year that replacing the cabin air filter could damage the wiring harness. As a result, a recall decision was made. The company states it is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this issue.
Risk Assessment and Manufacturer Actions
It’s important not to exaggerate the scale of the problem. BMW specifically notes in its filing with the NHTSA that this condition likely affects less than 0.1 percent of the total vehicles being recalled. In other words, the automaker is recalling nearly 59,000 vehicles to fix what it believes affects fewer than 59 units. This is a serious safety commitment, especially since the situation has not led to any reported fires or other incidents.
What Owners Should Do
Owners can check if their vehicle is on the list on NHTSA.gov or through their local dealer. For those on the list, a dealer technician will inspect the wiring harness. If it needs to be replaced, it will be done. Otherwise, BMW instructs its technicians to add a fastener and a bracket to prevent future problems. Notification letters to owners are scheduled to be mailed on April 13.
List of Models Subject to Recall
Such preventive recalls, especially concerning potential fire hazards, are becoming increasingly common practice among automakers. They demonstrate a shift in approach: companies are trying to take action before a problem leads to serious incidents, even if the statistical risk is very low. It also highlights the complexity of modern vehicles, where even a seemingly routine procedure like replacing a cabin air filter can have unforeseen consequences due to the dense packaging of electronics and systems. For owners of the listed models, it is important to contact a dealer for inspection, as even a minimal risk is worth eliminating, especially since all work is carried out at the manufacturer’s expense.
