BMW Recalls Over 12,000 Mini Cooper SE EVs Due to Battery Fire Risk

BMW is recalling more than 12,000 Mini Cooper SE electric vehicles due to potential battery issues that could lead to overheating and fire risks. This information comes from a report by NewsNation.

Affected Models and Issue

The recall affects Mini Cooper SE models manufactured between 2020 and 2024. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were produced with battery components that may not meet production specifications.

“Faults in the battery system could lead to overheating, which could result in a fire,” the NHTSA documents state. Notably, these thermal issues can occur even when the vehicle is stationary and parked.

Recall Timeline and Solution

BMW reportedly notified dealers about this issue in August 2024. The automaker plans to inform affected customers on October 7, 2024.

The fix for this problem is relatively straightforward:

“The solution is taking the car to an authorized dealership and installing a free software update, which includes a diagnostic function that can detect malfunction.”

Owners of affected vehicles can contact Mini customer service at 866-275-6464 for more information.

EVXL’s Take

This recall highlights the ongoing challenges in EV battery technology and safety. While electric vehicles have made significant strides in recent years, incidents like this remind us of the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in EV manufacturing.

As we’ve seen in recent Tesla news, battery technology is a critical component of EV development. Manufacturers must continue to prioritize safety alongside performance and range improvements. This recall also underscores the value of over-the-air software updates in addressing potential issues quickly and efficiently.

We encourage our readers to stay informed about their vehicles’ safety status and promptly address any recall notices. What are your thoughts on this recall and its implications for the EV industry? Share your opinions in the comments section below.

Photo courtesy of Mini Cooper​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​