Summary
- BMW is recalling Mini Cooper SE electric hatchbacks due to manufacturing issues with battery packs
- The recall includes 12,535 vehicles from the 2020 model year up to 2024
- Faults in the battery packs could cause short circuits leading to overheating and potential thermal events
- Remedy is a free software update performed at a dealership, owners will be notified when to bring their cars
- This is the second battery-related recall for the Mini Cooper SE, with a previous recall in April 2021 for a smaller number of vehicles.
Article
BMW is recalling 12,535 Mini Cooper SE electric hatchbacks due to a manufacturing issue that could cause short circuits in the battery packs. The recall affects vehicles from the 2020 model year up to 2024 and is a result of battery packs that were not produced according to specifications. These faults could potentially lead to overheating and even “thermal events,” even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. While BMW is aware of two customer complaints related to this issue, there have been no reported accidents or injuries.
The remedy for this issue is a free software update that must be performed at a dealership. BMW plans to mail notification letters to affected customers instructing them on when to take their vehicles in for the update by October 7, 2024. Owners can also contact Mini customer service at 1-866-275-6464 with any questions or concerns they may have regarding the recall. This is the second recent battery-related recall of the Mini Cooper SE, with a previous recall in April affecting 145 vehicles due to potential battery-pack water damage that posed a fire risk.
The Mini Cooper SE is an all-electric version of the 3-door Mini hatch that was introduced for the 2020 model year. Despite the recall, the Cooper SE received a range and efficiency boost for the 2022 model year and generally maintained its pricing throughout its production run, making it one of the more affordable EV options on the market. The Cooper SE is set to be replaced by an electric version of the redesigned 2025 Mini Cooper hatch, which will be sold alongside the first-ever electric version of the Mini Countryman crossover.
The recall highlights the importance of manufacturers ensuring that their vehicles meet safety standards and specifications to prevent potential hazards and risks to consumers. It also serves as a reminder for owners of affected vehicles to stay informed and proactive in addressing any safety-related recalls in a timely manner. By following the instructions provided by BMW and taking their vehicles in for the necessary software update, Mini Cooper SE owners can ensure the continued safety and reliability of their electric hatchbacks.
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