German luxury car maker BMW AG is recalling about 1.3 million BMW 5 Series and BMW 6 Series vehicles worldwide due to an issue with the cars' battery cable covers. The recall affects approximately 367,000 BMW cars in the U.S.

According to BMW's statement, the issue regards an incorrectly mounted battery cable cover inside the car's "boot" or trunk. "This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire," said the statement.

BMW spokesman Thomas Plucinsky told the New York Times, "The worst-case scenario is a fire" Mr. Plucinsky said. "We are aware of one fire in the United States." No injuries or accidents have been reported as a result of the problem, BMW said.

The recall affects 2004-2010 BMW 5 Series vehicles--including wagons--and BMW 6 Series vehicles, including coupes and convertible models.

In April, the company is expected to notify BMW owners affected by this recall to bring their vehicle to local dealerships. Mechanics will secure the cable and if necessary, add protective grease and replace the plastic battery cable cover for free.

BMW recalls 1.3 million cars worldwide [MSNBC]
BMW Recalls Nearly 1.3 Million Vehicles Worldwide for Battery-Cable Flaw. [New York Times]
BMW Recalling 1.3 Million Cars To Fix Electrical Flaw [Wall Street Journal]