2026 BMW I5 Xdrive40

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. 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.

The contact owns a 2026 BMW I5 Xdrive40. The contact stated that while his wife traveled at approximately 2 MPH and applied the brakes to park, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and struck the vehicle ahead. No visual or audible alert was provided by the Forward Collision Warning system. The contact stated the failure recurred. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.

While executing a manual parking maneuver (< 5 mph) in "B Mode" (one-pedal regenerative driving mode, where easing off the accelerator initiates vehicle deceleration), the instrument cluster displayed a "Parking assistance malfunction" warning message. Simultaneously, without driver accelerator pedal input, the electric drive unit initiated an uncommanded full-torque power surge. The vehicle surged forward uncontrollably, mounted and jumped over two concrete parking barriers, collided with two stationary parked vehicles, and pushed both vehicles approximately 4 feet from their original position before coming to a stop. This created an extreme, life-threatening situation in an active parking area where pedestrians and drivers were exiting nearby vehicles. The physical energy required to clear two concrete barriers and displace two 4,000+ lb stationary vehicles demonstrates continuous, uncommanded high-torque motor output rather than a foot slip. Because "B Mode" operates by lifting off the accelerator pedal to slow down, no pedal-swapping or braking confusion was occurring at the time of the event. Current Status: Vehicle is at Braman BMW under a strict hold for Event Data Recorder (EDR) and Electronic Control Unit (ECU) diagnostic extraction to preserve freeze-frame fault data and active diagnostic trouble codes associated with the "Parking assistance malfunction" warning. Executive case opened with BMW North America and insurer (USAA) for product liability subrogation.