Safety recalls

BMW 6 Series safety recalls

Every road vehicle recall DVSA lists for the BMW 6 Series since 1992: what the problem is, how it is put right, how many vehicles it covers and when they were built. Newest first.

Recalls for the BMW 6 Series. Also see car recalls by year and make.

Last updated
Records analysed
29 recalls matched to this model
Methodology
View methodology
  • Recalls since 1992 29 launched 2004 to 2026
  • Most recent 2 March 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/054
  • Recalls 2016 to 2025 17 launched in those ten years
  • Busiest year 2012 3 recalls launched

Does a recall affect your BMW 6 Series?

Not every BMW 6 Series is affected. Each recall covers cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, which DVSA’s file does not list in full. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check with its registration, or ask the manufacturer or a dealer, who can check the VIN.

BMW 6 Series recalls by year

Recalls launched each year, 2004 to 2026

2012 had the most, with 3. 2026 runs to 14 September 2026. A count of recalls is not a measure of safety: one recall can cover a handful of cars or tens of thousands.

BMW 6 Series safety recalls by year of launch
Year Recalls
’04 1
’05 0
’06 2
’07 0
’08 1
’09 0
’10 1
’11 2
’12 3
’13 0
’14 1
’15 0
’16 0
’17 3
’18 3
’19 3
’20 0
’21 1
’22 2
’23 1
’24 2
’25 2
’26 1

Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated

Every BMW 6 Series recall, newest first

2026 1 recall

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

Launched 2 March 2026 DVSA recall R/2026/054 Manufacturer ref. 0012650600/0012660600/0012670600/0012680600/0012770600/0012790600

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.
Vehicles affected
3 6 Series vehicles
Built
28 Jul 2021 to 19 Jan 2023
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GT”

2025 2 recalls

Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)

Launched 18 December 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/349 Manufacturer ref. TBC – Multiple Takata Global Recalls

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.
Vehicles affected
532 6 Series vehicles
Built
15 Dec 2010 to 17 Jun 2017
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GRAN COUPE”, “6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”, “6 SERIES COUPE”

Replace the Engine Starter Motor

Launched 27 October 2025 DVSA recall R/2025/405 Manufacturer ref. BMW - 0012550600 0012560600 0012570600 0012620600 0012820600 0012840600

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.
Vehicles affected
967 6 Series vehicles
Built
6 Mar 2018 to 25 Jun 2020
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GT”

2024 2 recalls

Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5

Launched 21 October 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/403 Manufacturer ref. BMW – 0032550300 0032790300 (SDI airbag) 0032570300 0032810300 (PSDI-5 airbag)

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.
Vehicles affected
4,803 6 Series vehicles
Built
28 Jul 2010 to 27 Oct 2017
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GRAN COUPE”, “6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”, “6 SERIES COUPE”

Replace VANOS bolts N51 N52 N55

Launched 1 May 2024 DVSA recall R/2024/191 Manufacturer ref. 0011520700

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.
Vehicles affected
1 6 Series vehicle
Built
28 Jul 2010
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”

2023 1 recall

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.

Launched 24 January 2023 DVSA recall R/2023/016 Manufacturer ref. 0032390300 0032420300

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.
Vehicles affected
8,843 6 Series vehicles
Built
23 Feb 2012 to 29 Jun 2017
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES COUPE”, “6 SERIES GRAN COUPE”, “6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”

2022 2 recalls

Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold

Launched 22 August 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/255 Manufacturer ref. 0013440300

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.
Vehicles affected
322,745 across everything the recall covers
Built
15 Feb 2017 to 25 Jun 2020
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GT”

The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident

Launched 1 August 2022 DVSA recall R/2022/206 Manufacturer ref. 0011280600/0011420600

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.
Vehicles affected
319,399 across everything the recall covers
Built
12 Mar 2011 to 29 May 2018
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES GRAN COUPE”, “6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”, “6 SERIES COUPE”

2021 1 recall

The exhaust gas recirculation module could leak over time

Launched 14 June 2021 DVSA recall R/2021/213 Manufacturer ref. 0011130600

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.
Vehicles affected
18,330 across everything the recall covers
Built
21 Mar 2017 to 27 Apr 2018
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”, “6 SERIES COUPE”, “6 SERIES GRAN COUPE”

2019 3 recalls

The pressing force of the bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification

Launched 9 December 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/368 Manufacturer ref. 0011370500

Defect
The engine counterbalance shaft bearing bushing into the crankcase may be out of specification
Remedy
Replace the engine of affected vehicles
Vehicles affected
53 across everything the recall covers
Built
24 Sept 2018 to 24 Jan 2019

Possible corrosion of the bulkhead connector of the positive battery cable

Launched 29 July 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/195 Manufacturer ref. 0061070500

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
Vehicles affected
121,849 across everything the recall covers
Built
5 Feb 2002 to 27 Jul 2010
Also covers

Auxiliary water pump's electronic circuit board could lead to a short circuit

Launched 1 March 2019 DVSA recall R/2019/057 Manufacturer ref. 0011150500 0011160500

Defect
The auxiliary water pump may short circuit causing a thermal incident.
Remedy
The Auxiliary Water Pump of the affected vehicles will be replaced.
Vehicles affected
5,866 across everything the recall covers
Built
21 Dec 2010 to 2 Sept 2011

2018 3 recalls

Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak

Launched 7 December 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/341 Manufacturer ref. 0011970400 0011420500

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
Vehicles affected
225,449 across everything the recall covers
Built
12 Mar 2011 to 11 Apr 2017

Software fault in crankshaft sensor

Launched 15 October 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/260 Manufacturer ref. 00139202000 0013810200/20200

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.
Vehicles affected
1,642 across everything the recall covers
Built
17 May 2018 to 23 May 2018

Software fault with crankshaft sensor

Launched 20 August 2018 DVSA recall R/2018/211 Manufacturer ref. 0013850200 0013860200

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.
Vehicles affected
4,025 across everything the recall covers
Built
17 May 2018 to 5 Jun 2018

2017 3 recalls

Front seat fixing mechanism may be insecure

Launched 1 September 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/244 Manufacturer ref. 0052810100

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.
Vehicles affected
50 across everything the recall covers
Built
7 Jul 2017 to 18 Jul 2017
Also covers

Driveshaft universal joint may break

Launched 11 April 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/132 Manufacturer ref. 0026330100

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
Vehicles affected
10,849 across everything the recall covers
Built
30 Dec 2010 to 29 Apr 2011

Airbags may not deploy

Launched 10 January 2017 DVSA recall R/2017/011 Manufacturer ref. 0072760100

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.
Vehicles affected
668 across everything the recall covers
Built
8 Aug 2016 to 14 Nov 2016

2014 1 recall

Engine emergency mode may be activated during driving

Launched 28 July 2014 DVSA recall R/2014/068 Manufacturer ref. 0011280300& 0011360300

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
Vehicles affected
2,967 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2009 to 30 Nov 2011

2012 3 recalls

Engine may fail

Launched 26 September 2012 DVSA recall R/2012/109 Manufacturer ref. 0011020300

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.
Vehicles affected
80 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Jul 2012 to 27 Sept 2012
Also covers

Risk of fire

Launched 24 May 2012 DVSA recall R/2012/039 Manufacturer ref. 0061560300

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.
Vehicles affected
128,701 across everything the recall covers
Built
1 Sept 2003 to 31 Jul 2010

Fire may occur

Launched 27 April 2012 DVSA recall R/2012/049 Manufacturer ref. 0011930200

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.
Vehicles affected
21 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

2011 2 recalls

Short circuit may occur

Launched 17 November 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/147 Manufacturer ref. 0011830200

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.
Vehicles affected
557 across everything the recall covers
Built
16 Nov 2007 to 2 Feb 2011

Pedestrian safety system may not perform correctly

Launched 12 October 2011 DVSA recall R/2011/132 Manufacturer ref. 0065480200

Defect
The pedestrian safety function in the bonnet may fail to trigger.
Remedy
Replace the pedestrian safety sensor system.
Vehicles affected
520 6 Series vehicles
Built
Build dates not given
DVSA lists it as
“6 SERIES CONVERTIBLE”

2010 1 recall

Possible reduction in brake servo assistance

Launched 11 November 2010 DVSA recall R/2010/151 Manufacturer ref. 0034940100

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.
Vehicles affected
10,567 across everything the recall covers
Built
30 Oct 2001 to 23 Nov 2009

2008 1 recall

Rear axle carrier may fail

Launched 15 July 2008 DVSA recall R/2008/100

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.
Vehicles affected
665 across everything the recall covers
Built
10 Jun 2008 to 20 Jun 2008

2006 2 recalls

Rear shock absorber mounting may fail

Launched 6 July 2006 DVSA recall R/2006/119

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.
Vehicles affected
3,743 across everything the recall covers
Built
Build dates not given

Rear tyre may have sudden loss of tyre pressure

Launched 4 May 2006 DVSA recall R/2006/086

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
Vehicles affected
11 6 Series vehicles
Built
14 Feb 2006 to 6 Apr 2006

2004 1 recall

Possibility of inadvertnent loss of engine power

Launched 14 July 2004 DVSA recall R/2004/131

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.
Vehicles affected
231 across everything the recall covers
Built
12 May 2004 to 6 Jul 2004

Data sources and methodology

Datasets used on this page
Figures Source Period Records Updated
Safety recalls Vehicle safety recalls Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency
Derived statistics UK Motoring
January 1992 to September 2026 29 recalls matched to this model 15 September 2026
  • Road vehicle recalls (DVSA numbers starting R/) whose model names match the BMW 6 Series. DVSA records some recalls under a range or chassis name we cannot match, so this list may be incomplete.
  • Vehicles affected is the number the manufacturer reported to DVSA. When one recall covers several models, DVSA often gives only the total.
  • Build dates are the periods the manufacturer gave. Some recalls have none. VINs are not shown.
  • Concerns written in capitals have been put in sentence case, and apostrophes lost in DVSA’s file have been put back. The text is otherwise DVSA’s.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.