BMW 6 Series recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 30 safety recalls naming the BMW 6 Series, launched from 2004 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
BMW 6 Series recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 30
- 2004 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 2 March 2026
- R/2026/054
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every BMW 6 Series recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2026/054, launched 2 March 2026. Also covers the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4, X5, Z4
Defect: The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
R/2025/349, launched 18 December 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
R/2025/405, launched 27 October 2025. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X4, Z4
Defect: For affected vehicles there is a concern involving water ingress and corrosion to the starter motor for where a short circuit cannot be ruled out. It is strongly recommended to park the vehicle outdoors and not in the immediate vicinity of buildings until the repair has been carried out.
Remedy: Replacement of the starter motor.
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
R/2024/403, launched 21 October 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Remedy: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55
R/2024/191, launched 1 May 2024. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, Z4
Defect: On affected vehicles overtime the aluminium screws can loosen or break on the adjustable variable camshaft timing (VANOS) units potentially resulting in engine emergency mode being activated.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the eight aluminium screws will be replaced if evidence of faulty screws is found then the VANOS adjustment unit will also be replaced.
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
R/2023/016, launched 24 January 2023. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X5M, X6, X6M
Defect: A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Remedy: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
R/2022/255, launched 22 August 2022, 322,745 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, 8 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7
Defect: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Remedy: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION COOLER MAY LEAK OVER TIME AND CAUSE THERMAL INCIDENT
R/2022/206, launched 1 August 2022, 319,399 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
THE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COULD LEAK OVER TIME
R/2021/213, launched 14 June 2021, 18,330 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 4 Series, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module could leak over time’and cause thermal incident.
Remedy: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
THE FIXINGS OF THE HIGH LEVEL 3RD BRAKE LIGHT COULD COME LOOSE
R/2020/081, launched 30 March 2020, 615 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The 3rd brake light may not be correctly secured to the vehicle.
Remedy: Connections of the 3rd brake light will be reworked new nuts will be fitted with thread locking agent applied to the threads to prevent them coming loose.
THE PRESSING FORCE OF THE BEARING BUSHING INTO THE CRANKCASE MAY BE OUT OF SPECIFICATION
R/2019/368, launched 9 December 2019, 53 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 3 Series, 5 Series, Z4
Defect: The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Remedy: Replace the engine of affected vehicles
POSSIBLE CORROSION OF THE BULKHEAD CONNECTOR OF THE POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE
R/2019/195, launched 29 July 2019, 121,849 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: The branch-off point of the main battery cable may corrode
Remedy: The branch-off point will be checked and reworked appropriately depending on the level of corrosion present
AUXILIARY WATER PUMP'S ELECTRONIC CIRCUIT BOARD COULD LEAD TO A SHORT CIRCUIT
R/2019/057, launched 1 March 2019, 5,866 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series, MINI Hatch, X5, X6
Defect: The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Remedy: The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION MODULE COOLER COULD LEAK
R/2018/341, launched 7 December 2018, 225,449 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X4, X5, X6
Defect: The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Remedy: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
SOFTWARE FAULT IN CRANKSHAFT SENSOR
R/2018/260, launched 15 October 2018, 1,642 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, Countryman, MINI Hatch
Defect: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
SOFTWARE FAULT WITH CRANKSHAFT SENSOR
R/2018/211, launched 20 August 2018, 4,025 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, Countryman, MINI Hatch, X1, X2
Defect: The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message ‘engine malfunction’. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Remedy: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
FRONT SEAT FIXING MECHANISM MAY BE INSECURE
R/2017/244, launched 1 September 2017, 50 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 4 Sepies, 4 Series
Defect: Due to a fault in the supplier's production process the bolt on the outer side of the seat mechanism on both front seats might not have been fixed properly. In cases where the bolt loosens the customer would be alerted by noise coming from the seat and a noticeable increase in seat clearance/movement. If this is ignored by the customer the securing bolt on the outer side of the seat might come off. If the securing bolt comes off the seat can move backwards in a rear end crash situation.
Remedy: The bolt on the seat mechanism will be checked for excessive clearance and if necessary replaced.
DRIVESHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT MAY BREAK
R/2017/132, launched 11 April 2017, 10,849 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, Z4
Defect: Due to insufficient strength the front universal joint in the rear front universal joint of the rear prop shaft may fail.
Remedy: On affected vehicle replace the universal joint with a modified version
AIRBAGS MAY NOT DEPLOY
R/2017/011, launched 10 January 2017, 668 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 2 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, I8, MINI Hatch, X1
Defect: The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.
ENGINE EMERGENCY MODE MAY BE ACTIVATED DURING DRIVING
R/2014/068, launched 28 July 2014, 2,967 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 1 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X1, X3, X5, Z4
Defect: The screws retaining the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) housing may loosen and under certain circumstances the heads may break off. This can lead to the VANOS leaking oil internally and adversely affect the valve timing adjustment. If found to deviating from targeted data the engine emergency mode will be activated. This will be indicated by a distinct change in engine running. The orange engine management warning lamp and a check message; On vehicles with N51/N52 engines this will appear at ignition recycle on N55 engine it will display immediately.
Remedy: Repalce bolted connection of the VANOS adjustment unit
ENGINE MAY FAIL
R/2012/109, launched 26 September 2012, 80 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series
Defect: In individual cases the oil pump may no longer provide the required oil pressure. This may cause severe engine damage. Additionally the occurrence of critical driving situations cannot be ruled out because the oil pressure may drop suddenly while driving. The driver will usually notice a drop in the engine oil pressure due to the check control message ''Low oil Pressure''. It is also possible the engine block will be damaged and as a result engine oil may be lost.
Remedy: The oil pump will be replaced with the correct version.
RISK OF FIRE
R/2012/039, launched 24 May 2012, 128,701 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, Alpina
Defect: The positive battery cable routed from the vehicle battery to the engine bay consists of one cable in the luggage compartment and one cable in the underbody. Both cable are connected by a screw connection and covered by a plastic cover. In single cases the plastic cover may have been fitted incorrectly during the vehicle production. Over time an incorrectly fitted cover could cause the screw connections to come loose leading to an increased resistance also humidity may affect the connection and cause high resistance and drop in current. This can lead to the vehicle not starting and in extreme cases the connection could over heat leading to the possibility of a fire in the luggage area.
Remedy: The clips on the battery will be checked the cover replaced and sealed.
FIRE MAY OCCUR
R/2012/049, launched 27 April 2012, 21 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series, Alpina, X5, X6
Defect: Some engines are fitted with an additional water pump for the turbo charger. In some circumstances a crack may develop which then leads to melting of the plug connections and the housing. Further heat development may then lead to scorch damage. In exceptional cases such overheating can lead to smouldering of the water pump. If smouldering occurs an engine compartment fire and vehicle fire cannot be excluded.
Remedy: The water pump will be replaced for a new more robust version.
SHORT CIRCUIT MAY OCCUR
R/2011/147, launched 17 November 2011, 557 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series, Alpina, X5, X6
Defect: Due to the ingress of moisture it is possible that a short circuit can occur in the additional coolant pump for the exhaust turbocharger. The driver will be informed of the issue by a warning message on the display in the instrument panel. If not addressed it is possible for further heat build up in the pump which may cause the plug connection and housing to melt and in extreme cases a localised fire in the engine compartment or vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the additional coolant pump.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY SYSTEM MAY NOT PERFORM CORRECTLY
R/2011/132, launched 12 October 2011, 520 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The pedestrian safety function in the bonnet may fail to trigger.
Remedy: Replace the pedestrian safety sensor system.
POSSIBLE REDUCTION IN BRAKE SERVO ASSISTANCE
R/2010/151, launched 11 November 2010, 10,567 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series
Defect: It is possible that engine oil can enter the brake servo via the brake vacuum pump and vacuum hose. If this occurs it could damage the brake servo membrane which may leak so causing a reduction in braking assistance and a requirement to apply increased pedal force to achieve the same braking efficiency.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified servo hose. In addition the checking of the brake servo for contamination and replacement if required.
REAR AXLE CARRIER MAY FAIL
R/2008/100, launched 15 July 2008, 665 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series
Defect: It has been identified that defects in a material joint may have resulted during the heat treatment of individual components of the rear axle carrier. This may result in failure of the holders of the links and struts even under normal driving conditions. Should the holder of a link fail whilst the vehicle is in motion the handling characteristics of the vehicle would undergo an unexpected change which could result in an accident.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will be checked and if necessary fitted with a quality assured rear axle carrier.
REAR SHOCK ABSORBER MOUNTING MAY FAIL
R/2006/119, launched 6 July 2006, 3,743 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series
Defect: It has been identified that the lower rubber mounting on the metal bush of the rear shock absorbers may fail to meet the quality requirement. Dependant on the mileage and operating conditions the rubber mounting may come completely free from the shock absorber. If this occurs the bodywork would no longer be supported above the wheels causing it to come into contact with the wheel concerned. Should this occur the possibility exists that a critical driving condition might occur or even the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the rear shock absorbers checked and replaced if necessary.
REAR TYRE MAY HAVE SUDDEN LOSS OF TYRE PRESSURE
R/2006/086, launched 4 May 2006, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a possibility that the tyres on the affected vehicles may have been damaged when they were fitted to the rim. If the tyres have been damaged this may lead to a sudden loss of pressure in the rear tyres.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace all the tyres
POSSIBILITY OF INADVERTNENT LOSS OF ENGINE POWER
R/2004/131, launched 14 July 2004, 231 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the 5 Series, 7 Series, X5
Defect: Due to a hardware fault within the digital engine electronic control unit the possibility exists that the unit could fail completely resulting in loss of engine power.
Remedy: Recall likely to be affected vehicles and replace the control unit with a quality assured item.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a BMW 6 Series, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a BMW dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.