Toyota's BMW-built Supra added to fire recall

BMW of North America added certain Toyota GR Supra cars to a 318,495-vehicle U.S. safety recall after identifying a starter defect that can overheat and raise the risk of fire. The recall was posted in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents tied to campaign 26V438, which says dealers will replace the engine starter free of charge. Toyota’s inclusion reflects the Supra’s shared engineering with BMW, particularly on four-cylinder variants. Carbuzz reported the Supra’s addition on Aug. 6. ### Which Supra is actually covered? The Toyota GR Supra units covered are 270 cars from the 2023 and 2024 model years, according to recall reports cited by multiple automotive outlets tracking the filing. The affected Supra is the 2.0-liter four-cylinder version, which uses BMW-supplied hardware also found in BMW models named in the same campaign. (static.nhtsa.gov) Toyota dropped the BMW-sourced 2.0-liter engine from the Supra lineup after the 2024 model year, Carbuzz reported. That means the recall does not sweep in every current or past Supra, but a narrow slice built before that engine left the range. ### What is the defect BMW and NHTSA describe? NHTSA recall documents say the engine starter can experience internal wear that may cause the unit to malfunction. (motortimes.com) In less severe cases, owners may find the engine will not start. In more serious cases, the starter can overheat and increase the risk of a fire. BMW said the remedy is a starter replacement performed by dealers at no cost to owners, according to the recall filing. (carbuzz.com) Automotive coverage of the filing said the campaign is an expansion of an earlier starter-related recall, broadening the number of affected vehicles well beyond the initial population. ### Which other vehicles are in the 318,495 total? (static.nhtsa.gov) BMW models named in coverage of the recall include the 2 Series, 3 Series, 4 Series, 5 Series, X3, X4 and Z4, among others equipped with certain four-cylinder gasoline engines. The Toyota Supra appears because it shares components with the BMW Z4 under the companies’ joint sports-car program. (static.nhtsa.gov) The largest share of affected vehicles appears to be BMW X3 models, according to BMW-focused recall coverage summarizing the filing. MarketWatch and other outlets also reported that the campaign spans multiple BMW nameplates plus the Toyota Supra. ### What should owners do now? NHTSA documents say owners do not have to pay for the repair, but they may have to wait for parts availability and dealer scheduling. (motortimes.com) Carbuzz said Supra owners who need a starter replacement could face downtime while dealers work through affected inventory and appointments. Toyota and BMW owners can check whether their car is included by using their vehicle identification number through manufacturer recall tools or NHTSA’s recall database once the campaign is live for VIN lookup. (bmwblog.com) The recall filing lists BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. ### When will owners be notified? (static.nhtsa.gov) Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on Aug. 28, 2026, according to the NHTSA recall document. The same filing says affected VINs will be searchable on NHTSA’s recall site beginning Aug. 28, 2026, giving Supra and BMW owners a date to check if their vehicle is included and to contact dealers for the free starter replacement. (static.nhtsa.gov)