A/C Wiring Harness May Short-Circuit

Affected vehicles (9)

Component / system

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2025 M5 Sportswagon, 2025-2026 M5, 2024-2025 750e xDrive, 2025-2026 550e xDrive, 2023-2025 I7, 2023-2025 7 Series, 2024-2026 i5, and 5 Series vehicles. The electrical wiring harness for the air conditioning system may become damaged during replacement of the cabin air filter.

Risk / consequence

A damaged wiring harness can short-circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the air conditioning system’s electrical wiring harness and add a retaining strap/bracket to the harness, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 16, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning April 13, 2026.

Chronology of events

1. March 2025

   In March 2025, an engineering investigation was initiated based upon several field incidents in which thermal events were noted, including a Model Year 2024 7 Series (incident date: February 22nd), a Model Year 2023 7 Series (incident date: March 9th), and a Model Year 2023 7 Series (incident date: December 2024). Initial suggestions included the possibility of damage to a wiring harness during routine maintenance of the vehicle’s cabin air filter. Between April and June, vehicle diagnostics, for vehicles in which the cabin air filter had been replaced, were reviewed to identify if any system codes, that could be associated with damage to an electrical wiring harness, were present.

2. In May, another field incident, involving a Model Year 2024 BMW 7 Series (incident date: May 7th) occurred. Initial results of the review of system codes indicated that this information was inconclusive.

3. In June, vehicles which contained a system code were identified for physical inspection, as vehicle diagnostics alone were not conclusive.

4. In July, results of vehicle inspections were also inconclusive. Statistical analyses were performed which indicated a very low rate of occurrence. Nevertheless, and as a preventative measure, a Service Action (at the vehicle’s next cabin air filter replacement) was implemented which consisted of equipping vehicles with a retaining strap and bracket that would move the air conditioning system’s electrical wiring harness away from one of the screw connections of the cabin air filter’s housing cover. Between September and December, the field continued to be monitored. One vehicle, which was included in the Service Action, nevertheless had a cabin air filter replacement at an independent repair facility, but the retaining strap and bracket was not installed. Another vehicle, which was included in the Service Action, had a cabin air filter replacement, but the retaining strap and bracket was not installed. Both vehicles experienced thermal activity. Between January and February 2026, further reviews were conducted, and it was suggested that damage to the wiring harness could occur during the vehicle’s service life when the cabin air filter is replaced, especially if the procedure occurs at an independent repair facility. Vehicle assembly and service information was reviewed to determine the number and production dates of potentially affected vehicles,

5. Feb 11, 2026

   On February 11, 2026, BMW decided, in an abundance of caution, to conduct a voluntary safety recall. BMW has not received any reports, nor is BMW otherwise aware, of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Notification schedule

Dealer notification

Feb 19, 2026 - Feb 19, 2026 No Dealers

Owner notification

Apr 13, 2026 - Apr 13, 2026 Phased Recall