BMW of North America has issued a safety recall for a limited number of 2018 BMW 328d diesel vehicles due to a potential fire hazard due to an issue with the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The recall, filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under campaign number 25V700, affects approximately 112 vehicles in total, including the 328d Sedan, 328d xDrive Sedan, 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon.
The problem
According to documents filed on October 15, 2025, BMW has discovered that the EGR cooler – a component that helps reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by recirculating some of the exhaust gases – may be leaking internally in some vehicles. If coolant leaks in the EGR cooler, it can mix with diesel soot and form a flammable deposit. Over time, this can lead to smoldering particles in the intake manifold, which can melt the intake manifold and increase the risk of fire in the engine compartment.
The recall indicates that this problem may not occur suddenly but may develop over time. Drivers may notice smoke under the hood, a sweet smell of coolant, or reduced engine performance before a serious problem occurs.
The cure
BMW dealers carry out a multi-stage service procedure free of charge for owners. This includes:
- Replacing the EGR cooler with an updated part,
- Check intake manifold and replace if necessary,
- Clean the EGR tube that connects the cooler to the distributor to remove soot and residue buildup.
All repairs will be performed free of charge as part of this safety recall. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on December 5, 2025, and affected vehicle identification numbers (VINs) will be searchable at NHTSA.gov/recalls the same day.
Callback extension
This new action is an extension of a previous recall number 21V907, which addressed similar EGR-related fire risks on BMW diesel models manufactured in previous years. BMW continues to investigate possible long-term effects of EGR coolant leaks and has refined its inspection and repair process as part of this latest campaign.
What owners should do
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to contact their local BMW dealer to schedule a service appointment immediately upon receipt of the notification letters. Until repairs are complete, owners should watch for warning signs such as coolant smell, smoke, or unusual engine behavior.
BMW customer service can be reached at 1-800-525-7417, while the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline can be reached at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-888-275-9171).
Last diesel sold in America
The BMW 328d was the diesel-powered variant of the 3-series generation of the F30 series sold in the United States from 2014 to 2018 and featured a 2.0-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo four-cylinder diesel engine (engine code N47). The engine produced 180 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, paired with either rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive. The model was known for its excellent fuel economy, often exceeding 40 mpg on the highway, making it a popular choice for long-distance commuters.
Both sedan and station wagon body styles were offered in the US market. The 328d Sports Wagon in particular has carved out a niche among enthusiasts who value its combination of performance, utility and efficiency.
