BMW USA Recalls i4, iX Electric Vehicles Due To Potential Risk Of Battery Fires

BMW said in a statement that the high-voltage battery was not produced as per the specification resulting in a short-circuit that could occur and lead to a thermal event.

By Pratik Rakshit

2 mins read

Published on August 3, 2022

Highlights

BMW USA is conducting a voluntary safety recall on its EVs.
The recall involves a small number of BMW iX and BMW i4.
The recall involves cars produced between November 22, 2021, and July 30, 2022.

BMW USA is conducting a voluntary safety recall effective on a small number of 2022 BMW iX and BMW i4 produced between November 22, 2021, and July 30, 2022. A total of 83 units are affected due to the recall, 27 units of BMW i4 eDrive40, BMW i4 M50, BMW xDrive50, and BMW iX M60. BMW said in a statement that the high-voltage battery was not produced as per the specification resulting in a short-circuit that could occur and lead to a thermal event. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has advised owners of the affected vehicle to not drive, charge, or park near structures.

A total of 83 units are affected due to the recall, 27 units of BMW i4 eDrive40, BMW i4 M50, BMW xDrive50, and BMW iX M60.

Also Read: BMW i4 Review: Performance Sports Sedan In An Electric Guise

An official statement read, “During supplier production, the high-voltage battery may not have been produced to specifications. A short-circuit could occur which could lead to a thermal event. The affected high-voltage battery cell module will be replaced. The BMW Customer Relations department will be reaching out to the affected customers by phone on July 22, 2022, and will be in contact with their facing dealer. Customers will be provided alternate transportation until parts become available.”

Customers will be provided alternate transportation until parts become available.

A recent BMW investigation caused revealed that a few incidents that occurred in the USA were triggered by a damaged cathode plate when the cells were made, resulting in the short-circuit if cathode debris gets loose inside the cell. Although the cells are developed at Competence Centre for E-Drive Production at the Dingolfing manufacturing site in Germany, it is handled by Samsung SDI and CATL. This makes it the company’s second recall in as many as two months for the BWM i4 and BMW iX. The previous recall involved a potential software glitch in the driver's display when the vehicles were put into Valet Mode.