BMW is recalling more than 720,000 vehicles because the water pump's electrical connector could short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
The recall includes several different models from 2012 through 2018, including X1, X3, 3 Series and 4 Series vehicles, according to a recall notice posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The automaker says impacted vehicles have water pumps with insufficient sealing. If an improperly sealed electrical connector is exposed to water, a short circuit could possibly occur, with the potential for a fire.
"In certain rare vehicle operation conditions, the sealing of the electric plug connector could be compromised through blow-by fluid dripping from the intake air hose," BMW said. "This could increase the risk of a thermal event and, in rare cases, a fire."
Approximately 720,796 vehicles are covered by the recall, including:
• 2012-2015 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i -- 62,954 vehicles
• 2012-2016 BMW Z4 sDrive28i -- 6,621 vehicles
• 2012-2016 BMW 528i, 528i xDrive -- 110,102 vehicles
• 2016-2018 BMW X5 xDrive40e -- 14,808 vehicles
• 2014-2016 BMW 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228xi) -- 12,742 vehicles
• 2015-2016 BMW 2 Series Convertible (228i, 228xi) -- 6,824 vehicles
• 2013-2017 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i -- 163,728 vehicles
• 2015-2018 BMW X4 xDrive28i -- 14,061 vehicles
• 2012-2016 BMW 3 Series Sedan (328i, 328xi) -- 236,702 vehicles
• 2014-2015 BMW 3 Series Sportswagon (328i, 328xi) -- 5,980 vehicles
• 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive) -- 29,693 vehicles
• 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series Convertible (428i, 428i xDrive) -- 20,082 vehicles
• 2014-2016 BMW 328xi Gran Turismo -- 12,709 vehicles
• 2015-2016 BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428xi) -- 23,790 vehicles
BMW said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. However, it has received approximately 18 customer complaints and associated field incidents regarding the problem.
BMW will inform the owners of recalled vehicles by early-October and dealers will replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, free of charge.