A handful of BMW i4s and iXs have magically turned into paperweights as 83 different vehicles are being recalled over a fire risk.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56 iX xDrive50 and iX M60 crossovers as well as 27 i4 eDrive40 and i4 M50 hatchbacks were “manufactured with a high voltage battery that may not have been produced by the supplier according to specifications.”
As the government explained, when the battery cells were being built, their cathode plate may have been damaged. If this occurred, it could have allowed pieces of debris to enter the battery cell. This could cause a short-circuit and result in a “thermal event.”
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The batteries were made by Samsung and BMW became aware of the issue on April 16th after a “non-US field incident” involving a 2022 i4 eDrive40. This kicked off an investigation, which suggested problems in the manufacturing process of the battery cell.
Later, there was an incident in the United States involving a 2022 iX xDrive50. It was followed by another incident involving a 2022 iX M60 overseas. This led BMW to conduct a voluntary safety recall, and thankfully the automaker isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue.
The fix requires affected batteries to be replaced and owners are being instructed not to drive or charge their vehicles as well as to park them outside and away from structures. Owners will be contacted by phone and the company will also send out notification letters on September 19th.
