BMW Water Pump Recall: Which Models Should Park Outside and What to Do

The short answer

On November 13, 2026, NHTSA announced a park outside recall for 720,796 BMWs from the 2012 to 2018 model years, including many 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and X4 models, because a poorly sealed connector on the water pump can let in water, short circuit and start a fire. Until it's fixed, NHTSA says to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles. BMW is still developing the repair, which dealers will do at no charge, and letters and VIN lookups are expected starting December 25, 2026.

On November 13, 2026, NHTSA, the federal vehicle safety agency, issued an urgent park outside alert for 720,796 BMWs from the 2012 to 2018 model years. The problem is a poorly sealed electrical connector on the water pump, and BMW hadn't finished the repair when the recall was announced. If one of these is in your driveway, here's how to tell whether it's covered and what to do in the meantime.

Which BMW models are in the recall?

NHTSA's alert lists these vehicles under recall number 26V733000:

• 2012 to 2016 3 Series
• 2014 to 2016 3 Series Sports Wagon
• 2014 to 2016 328xi Gran Turismo
• 2012 to 2016 5 Series
• 2014 to 2016 2 Series coupe
• 2015 to 2016 2 Series convertible
• 2014 to 2016 4 Series coupe and convertible
• 2015 to 2016 4 Series Gran Coupe
• 2012 to 2015 X1
• 2013 to 2017 X3
• 2015 to 2018 X4
• 2016 to 2018 X5 xDrive40e
• 2012 to 2016 Z4

Model and year alone don't prove your car is included. The VIN does, and that lookup opens December 25, 2026 (more on that below).

What is wrong with the water pump?

NHTSA says an improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire. The water pump moves coolant through the engine and radiator, and on these cars the pump has an electrical connector. If water reaches that connector because the seal isn't right, it can short.

Reuters reports the fire risk is while the car is parked and turned off. That's why the advice is about where you park.

Is my BMW safe to drive, and where should I park it?

NHTSA's instruction is to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the car is repaired. It doesn't tell owners to stop driving. In practice:

• Keep it out of the garage, and out of a carport attached to the house.
• Leave space between it and other cars in the driveway.
• Skip parking structures and underground garages when you can. In a lot, pick an open-air spot away from buildings and other cars.

If you have a question about your own car, BMW's recall line is 800-525-7417, and NHTSA's Vehicle Safety Hotline is 888-327-4236.

I already had the 2024 water pump recall done. Does this apply to me?

Yes. NHTSA says these vehicles were recalled in 2024 for a water pump issue and must be repaired again. It reports about 10 incidents in the United States that relate or may relate to this issue, in vehicles that had the earlier repair, and says BMW isn't aware of any crashes or injuries. So if your model is on the list, a finished 2024 recall doesn't mean you're done. Confirm with your VIN once the search opens.

When can I check my VIN, and when will the repair be ready?

NHTSA says the remedy is still in development and will be done at no charge at a BMW dealership once it's available. Owner letters are expected to be mailed starting December 25, 2026, and affected VINs and license plate numbers will be searchable at nhtsa.gov/recalls beginning the same day.

When the search opens:

1. Find your 17-character VIN. NHTSA says it's on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration card and may be on your insurance card.
2. Enter the VIN or your plate at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
3. If the recall shows up, call a BMW dealer and ask whether the repair is ready for your VIN.

NHTSA notes that some recently announced recalls aren't searchable until their VINs have been identified, and VINs are added continuously, so check again if your model is on the list and nothing appears. Keep parking outside while you wait. If you bought the car used, don't count on the letter reaching you; check the VIN yourself once the search opens.

When to bring it in

For the recall repair itself, go to a BMW dealer. We aren't one, and recall work isn't something we can do for you.

What we do handle is regular service on BMWs, including cooling system and engine work, with a written estimate before any work starts. If your BMW is losing coolant, running hot or showing a warning light, don't assume it's the recall. Our guides to coolant leak signs and what to do when your car overheats cover what to look for. Call us at (951) 445-8055, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5.

Common questions

Which BMWs are in the park outside recall?

NHTSA lists 14 groups from the 2012 to 2018 model years, including 2012 to 2016 3 Series and 5 Series, 2012 to 2015 X1, 2013 to 2017 X3, 2015 to 2018 X4 and 2016 to 2018 X5 xDrive40e. The full list is in the post. The recall number is 26V733000.

Can I still drive my BMW?

NHTSA's alert tells owners where to park; it doesn't tell them to stop driving. Reuters reports the risk is a fire while the car is parked and turned off, so NHTSA says to park outside and away from buildings and other vehicles until the car is repaired. For advice on your own car, call BMW at 800-525-7417.

My BMW already had the 2024 water pump recall done. Is it still included?

Very likely, if your model is on the list. NHTSA says the vehicles in this recall were recalled in 2024 for a water pump issue and must be repaired again, and the incidents it lists happened in cars that had the earlier repair. Confirm with your VIN once the search opens December 25, 2026.

Why doesn't my VIN show the recall yet?

NHTSA says affected VINs and plate numbers will be searchable at nhtsa.gov/recalls beginning December 25, 2026, the same date letters are expected to start going out. Until then, call BMW's recall line if your model is on the list.

Do I have to pay for the recall repair?

No. NHTSA says the remedy will be done at no charge at a BMW dealership once it's available. NHTSA hasn't given a date for the repair.

Sources

• NHTSA, Consumer Alert, Urgent Park Outside Recall Issued for Nearly 721K BMW Vehicles (November 13, 2026)
• Reuters via Claims Journal, NHTSA Urges Owners of 720,000 BMWs to Park Outside Over Fire Risks
• NHTSA, Check for Recalls