BMW is launching a European recall for plug-in hybrids. During an internal quality inspection, irregularities were discovered in parts of the battery, which in exceptional cases could lead to a short circuit and fire. In the Netherlands 448 cars have to be returned to the dealer for inspection. Until then, customers are advised not to charge the battery.
Plug-in hybrids are also important for BMW to achieve the European CO2 target. The Bavarian brand now has a partly electric version of almost every model, which also means that the recall covers a total of eleven different models. BMW Netherlands announces Techzle that these are irregularities in some cells of the high-voltage battery, which have come to light during an internal quality inspection. In exceptional cases, when the battery is fully charged, this can cause a short circuit, potentially causing the car to catch fire. BMW is not the first brand to have problems with the batteries. Ford recently shut down production of the Kuga PHEV and Hyundai already issued a recall for the Kona Electric this month due to potential fire hazards.
The plug-in hybrid variants of the X1, X2, X3, X5, 3-, 5- and 7-series, 6-series GT, 2-series Active Tourer and i8 must be returned to the dealer. The Mini Countryman SE is added to that. This concerns cars built between January 20, 2020 and September 18, 2020. BMW Netherlands confirms that it concerns a total of 655 copies, of which 207 are still unsold or in stock. The problem is expected to be resolved by the end of the year. Until then, there will also be a supply stop on the brand’s plug-in hybrids. Affected customers have received instructions via the ‘in car recall notification’ on the main screen of the car. The message is also visible in the MyBMW app. BMW advises them not to charge the battery temporarily. BMW reports that it has an ‘appropriate compensation scheme’ for these customers.