Electric Cars

BMW has expanded its ongoing recall to include a significantly larger number of vehicles due to a persistent fire risk originating from faulty starter motors. This broadened recall now impacts more than 340,000 vehicles across the United States. The core issue lies with starter motor relays that are susceptible to moisture intrusion, leading to corrosion, overheating, and potential short circuits. Alarmingly, these incidents can occur several hours after a vehicle has been parked, prompting BMW to urge owners to park their affected cars away from garages and buildings until necessary repairs are completed by authorized dealerships. While the fix will be provided free of charge, owners face a waiting period as replacement parts are not yet readily available.

Initially, BMW launched a recall in late September for approximately 196,000 vehicles. This first wave included 2019-2021 BMW 330i sedans, 2019-2022 Z4 roadsters, 2020-2022 530i, X3, and X4 models, as well as 2021-2022 430i and its convertible variant, and 2022 BMW 230i models. Even some Toyota Supra models were included due to their shared components with BMW.

The root cause of the problem is the ingress of moisture into the starter motor units. This moisture can cause the starter relay to corrode, resulting in overheating and ultimately a short circuit. A critical concern for owners is the delayed nature of the fire hazard; vehicles may ignite hours after being turned off and parked. Consequently, BMW strongly advised owners to avoid parking affected vehicles inside garages or close to structures until the necessary repairs could be carried out.

Despite the initial recall, BMW's starter motor problems were far from resolved. The company subsequently announced a second recall, adding more than 145,000 vehicles to the list, all suffering from the identical starter motor fire risk. This expanded recall specifically targets 2020 model year 340i sedans, along with additional X7 and X5 SUVs. The cumulative effect of these recalls means a substantial portion of BMW's fleet is now under scrutiny.

The combined recalls now affect over 340,000 vehicles in the United States alone. BMW has identified that this issue impacts nearly all models manufactured between September 2015 and September 2021, with the only exceptions being certain compact models and M performance variants that utilized different suppliers for their starter components.

For BMW owners, the immediate priority is to verify if their vehicle is part of this recall. Information regarding affected vehicles is available through BMW's official channels. Once confirmed, BMW will facilitate the replacement of the defective starter motor, and in some cases, a new battery may also be installed. These repairs will be performed at no cost through authorized dealerships. However, a significant challenge remains: the necessary replacement parts are not yet in stock, meaning owners must wait for parts availability before scheduling their service appointments. Until then, adhering to BMW's safety recommendations to park vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles and structures is crucial to mitigate potential risks.

Kia America has reported an unprecedented sales performance for the year 2025, marking its most successful quarter and highest year-to-date figures ever. This remarkable achievement is not solely driven by a single vehicle category but reflects robust growth across its diverse lineup, including electrified models, traditional sedans, and popular SUVs. The company's strategic approach has enabled it to navigate market complexities, such as evolving consumer preferences and economic pressures, positioning it for a potential fourth consecutive annual sales record. This balanced expansion across various segments underscores Kia's adaptability and strong market appeal in the competitive automotive landscape.

In September 2025, Kia America recorded sales of 65,507 units, representing an impressive 11% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. This strong monthly performance propelled the third-quarter sales to a total of 219,637 units. Consequently, the year-to-date sales reached 583,163 units, surpassing the previous year's pace and setting the stage for yet another annual sales record. This consistent upward trajectory highlights Kia's effective market penetration and growing consumer confidence in its offerings.

The growth observed across Kia's portfolio is notably broad-based. Electrified vehicles experienced a significant surge of 26% in sales, signaling increasing consumer adoption of more sustainable transportation options. Sedans, a segment often considered to be in decline, surprisingly witnessed a 19% increase, demonstrating Kia's ability to revitalize interest in these models. Meanwhile, SUVs, a traditionally strong category for the brand, continued their upward trend with a 6% rise in sales. This multi-faceted growth strategy differentiates Kia from many competitors who often rely heavily on the performance of one or two key segments.

Specific models within Kia's lineup have made substantial contributions to this overall success. The K5 sedan, for instance, saw an impressive 85% jump in sales, while the Carnival minivan recorded a 48% increase. Established SUV models like the Telluride and Sportage also continued their strong performance, each growing by 13%. Even newer additions, such as the K4, which competes in a challenging segment against formidable rivals like the Mazda 3 and Honda Civic Hatchback, have contributed to the steady volume, further solidifying Kia's diverse market presence.

Kia's triumph in 2025 comes at a time when the U.S. auto market faces various challenges, including fluctuating demand for electric vehicles, tariff concerns, and shifting consumer priorities. The company's success can be attributed to its strategic positioning, which emphasizes a blend of affordability and appealing design. Models such as the Sportage, which competes effectively with vehicles like the Nissan Rogue, exemplify Kia's commitment to delivering excellent value without compromising on technology or style. Furthermore, the brand's adept use of hybrid offerings has served as a crucial bridge, helping to mitigate some of the uncertainties surrounding the adoption of fully electric vehicles and contributing significantly to the unexpected resurgence of sedan sales.

Looking ahead, Kia executives have expressed strong confidence in the company's trajectory, aiming to achieve its highest U.S. market share in history by the close of 2025. With eight consecutive months of year-over-year growth and the introduction of new models on the horizon, Kia appears well-equipped to maintain its momentum into 2026. However, the path forward is not without obstacles, as persistent tariffs continue to impact profit margins, and competition in both the compact SUV and midsize sedan segments remains fierce. The brand's ability to sustain this record-breaking pace will depend on its continued commitment to product innovation and its skillful management of its diverse portfolio of hybrid, electric, and traditional combustion vehicles.