BMW is recalling more than 14,000 hybrid electric vehicles in the US due to a software issue with the electronic control unit for the battery pack. The affected models include the iX, i4, and i7, and were manufactured between February 2021 and October 2022. Specifically, 5,389 2022 and 2023 model-year iX vehicles are being recalled, as well as 8,659 i4 vehicles and 38 i7 vehicles.
All engine options for the iX and i4 are affected, while only the all-wheel drive i7 xDrive60 is affected for the i7 model. This recall was announced by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“The high voltage battery electronic control unit software may, during certain vehicle operating conditions, cause an interruption of electrical power. Specifically, a misdiagnosis can sporadically occur within the battery management electronics, which could cause the electronic control unit to reset. If a reset occurs, this could cause an interruption of electrical power,” states the NHTSA in its report.
BMW became aware of the issue with its hybrid electric vehicles in June 2022 and conducted numerous tests to identify the cause of the problem. It took the company some time to develop a solution, and it decided to initiate a voluntary recall in mid-December.
It is currently unknown whether the affected control unit or software was also installed in vehicles for other countries or if additional recalls will be necessary. The German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) does not yet have a recall listed for Germany.
However, according to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), BMW estimates that only 1% of the 14,086 recalled vehicles are affected by the issue. The recall involves updating the software of the control unit, which was manufactured by Panasonic Industrial Devices Europe GmbH in Lüneburg, Germany.
