BMW is recalling over 14,000 units of its iX, i4 and i7 electric vehicles. The recall is centered around the cars’ high-voltage battery electronic control unit (ECU) software, which can cause a sudden loss of power. The problem is specifically related to the thermal management software, an issue that reminds us of the recent Ford recall for the Mach-E. Power loss may occur while the car is running, and this may increase the risk of an accident.
BMW filed the recall report with NHTSA on December 20, 2022, which means that NHTSA did not force BMW to issue the recall. Instead BMW acknowledged the issue and asked for a recall. According to the report, the resolution of the recall is easy. Owners of the i4, iX and relatively new i7 will be sent a recall notice if their cars are affected starting February 10, 2023. All they need to do is take their car to a BMW dealership, where the ECU software will be updated. Free.
The report did not give specific manufacturing dates for the models involved and instead only stated that up to 14,086 models may be affected. While the i7 has only been around until the 2023 model year, both the 2022 and 2023 i4 and iX models are covered under the recall. All of their associated trims may also be part of the recall, as each version of each model was listed in NHTSA’s documentation.
If you own any of the three vehicles and don’t want to wait for a notice to arrive in your mailbox, you can call BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417. Have your VIN with you to check if your vehicle is affected.