WASHINGTON — BMW of North America is recalling up to 2,120 of its X5 xDrive 35d sport utility vehicles because its fuel-filter heater could overload and possibly cause a fire.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration says the model year 2009 vehicles were made between Oct. 1, 2008 and June 12, 2009 and are equipped with a diesel engine.

NHTSA says on its website that the vehicle's fuel-filter heater, used for heating up diesel fuel in cold temperatures, could electrically overload and become permanently activated even when the car is turned off. That could lead to a dead battery, or possibly a vehicle fire.

BMW told NHTSA that it will inform owners. Dealers will replace the fuel filter heater free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin in October.

First Published September 1, 2011, 3:24 p.m.