Mini has initiated a recall of more than 100 units of the 2021-2023 Cooper SE model due to a potential issue with the high-voltage battery housing, which may allow water ingress. The company announced that during the assembly of the high-voltage battery housings, there may have been insufficient sealing compound between the two housing halves, leading to the possibility of water entering the high-voltage battery.
According to Mini, if water does enter the battery, an isolation fault will be triggered, and a warning message will be displayed. As more water leaks into the battery, there is a risk of multiple isolation failures occurring, potentially causing the vehicle to stall. Additionally, Mini warns that prolonged inactivity could lead to the high-voltage battery overheating, triggering a thermal runaway event even when the vehicle is not in use.
BMW, Mini’s parent company, became aware of the issue in October 2020 following a thermal event involving a Mini Cooper SE in the United States. Another incident occurred in January this year, leading to an investigation that concluded the thermal events were linked to multiple isolation faults in the high-voltage battery system.
The recall affects a total of 128 vehicles in the United States, all of which were manufactured between June 12, 2020, and November 30, 2022. Mini has notified dealerships of the recall as of April 29 and will inform owners via first-class mail starting June 21.
Dealers have been instructed to inspect the high-voltage battery for isolation faults, and if a water leak is detected, the battery will be replaced free of charge. Mini estimates that approximately 10% of the recalled vehicles may be affected by the issue.
