BMW fires linked to emissions system defect spread across Europe

A faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system has caused dozens of BMW vehicles to catch fire in Finland and across Europe, with some blazes engulfing cars within minutes, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The defect, tied to the EGR cooler, has led to at least 45 confirmed fires in Finland over the past seven years, according to vehicle inspection firm Copart Suomi. The issue primarily affects diesel models produced between 2010 and 2017, with four- and six-cylinder engines most susceptible.

Rapid spread during acceleration
Drivers have reported fires often occurring during acceleration, such as when merging onto highways. “Power suddenly cuts out, smoke appears, and flames erupt in the engine bay—passengers barely have time to escape,” described Henri Huovinen, Copart’s technical service manager.

In Belgium, one mother recounted her 2024 ordeal to Belgian broadcaster VRT: her BMW burst into flames within three minutes while driving with her two daughters. “I wake up screaming from nightmares. My younger daughter is still traumatized,” she said, vowing never to drive a BMW again.

Criticism over delayed response
BMW faced global recalls in 2018 after dozens of fires in South Korea, but VRT’s investigation reveals the company knew of the EGR risks three years earlier yet continued using the flawed system until 2022. Critics accuse the automaker of failing to address the hazard promptly in Europe.

Finnish insurers confirm “dozens” of claims, though no injuries have been reported. Fires typically start in the engine bay, spreading to the cabin within minutes—sometimes longer—allowing occupants to exit safely.