NHTSA warned owners of nearly 200,000 model-year 2019 through 2022 BMW vehicles to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until their vehicle is confirmed outside the campaign or repaired. The agency said corrosion in the engine starter relay can cause overheating and a short circuit, creating a fire risk while the vehicle is parked or being driven.
The recall also covers 1,469 model-year 2020 through 2022 Toyota GR Supra vehicles manufactured by BMW. That cross-brand scope makes current VIN data more reliable than assumptions based on the badge on the hood.
Parts availability shaped the original rollout
NHTSA said BMW would conduct the recall in phases because of parts availability. The original alert listed interim owner notices followed by a second communication when remedy parts became available, so dealers should not rely on the 2025 timetable when speaking with a customer today.
The park-outside language should remain exact
Service and BDC teams should repeat the official instruction without softening it or adding unsupported precautions. Used-car managers should check every affected-era BMW and GR Supra before appraisal, transport, indoor storage or delivery.
Loaner planning and parts communication deserve the same discipline. A store should distinguish between an identified campaign, a VIN with an open recall and a vehicle for which the repair is actually ready to schedule.
What dealers should do
- Run a current VIN check for affected-era BMW and GR Supra vehicles.
- Repeat the official park-outside instruction clearly.
- Confirm remedy and parts status before promising an appointment.
- Keep sales, service and inventory holds aligned.
Campaign status, parts availability and remedy completion vary by VIN and may have changed since the original alert.
Cited references
- NHTSA BMW park-outside alert — Federal safety alert