BMW Urges 29,000 Owners to Park Outside Due to Fire Risk

BMW is telling nearly 29,000 vehicle owners to keep their cars parked outdoors until a serious defect can be fixed. The recall, announced this week, affects certain models that could pose a fire hazard even when the engine is off. The automaker has not yet released a repair solution, leaving drivers in a holding pattern.

The problem stems from a potential short circuit in the vehicle's electrical system, which can cause overheating even while parked. BMW says the issue has been linked to a small number of reported fires. Affected models include several recent 5 Series, 7 Series, X5, and X6 vehicles, primarily from the 2022 and 2023 model years.

Owners will receive official notification by mail starting next month.

For now, BMW recommends parking away from structures and other vehicles. If your garage is attached to your home, that means leaving the car in the driveway or on the street. The company is working on a software update to correct the problem, and dealers will perform the fix at no cost once it's available.

In the meantime, if you see a warning light on your dashboard or smell something burning, pull over safely and call for roadside assistance.