BMW Recalls iX and i4 EVs Over Battery Issues - Owners Told Not To Drive, Charge Or Park Vehicles Outside

According to the voluntary recall report submitted by BMW with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the carmaker first came to know about an incident regarding a non-US field incident involving a 2022 BMW i4 eDrive40. BMW started an engineering investigation and notified the supplier.

BMW states, "A review of the battery supplier production records for the vehicle from the April incident was performed. Analyses suggested an irregularity during the supplier's production process which may have allowed debris to enter into a battery cell. Further analyses were able to identify cathode pieces within the battery cell."

BMW was notified of an incident in the United States on the 3rd of June, 2022 involving a Model Year 2022 iX xDrive50. The carmaker was notified about another incident outside the United States on the 19th of June, 2022 which involved a 2022 BMW iX M60. BMW conducted similar analysis with regards to both incidents involving the iX electric SUV and found an irregularity during the supplier's production process similar to the one seen on the i4.

BMW's recall in the United States with regards to the battery production issue affects 27 units of the BMW i4 sedan and 56 units of the electric iX SUV.

BMW is currently contacting the owners of the affected vehicles by phone and is also notifying owners by First Class mail advising them of the recall and telling them to schedule an appointment with an authorised BMW dealer to have the remedy performed for free. BMW has stated that if this condition were to occur to a potentially affected vehicle prior to this recall, the remedy would be covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program.

The remedy in the case of these recalled vehicles is the replacement of the battery pack. The BMW i4 sedan is offered with a 83.9kWh battery that allows for a range of 590 kilometres (WLTP).

The BMW iX electric SUV, on the other hand, is offered with two different battery pack options - 76.6kWh with a range of 425km and 111.5kWh with a max range of 630 kilometres (both figures as per WLTP testing).

The affected i4's were built between November 22, 2021 through June 13, 2022 while the problematic iX vehicles were produced between December 2, 2021 and June 30, 2022. Owners will be instructed to not drive, and to not charge their vehicles, as well as, to park their vehicles away from structures.

Thoughts About BMW's Recall Of The i4 & iX

BMW's recall of its electric i4 sedan and iX SUV shows just how dangerous a small error in the production of batteries for the new crop of EVs can be. Hopefully, this recall will ensure better quality control from the supplier of the battery packs and we applaud BMW for taking swift action to care of the problem.