The all-electric 2022-2023 BMW iX and i4 models make excellent EVs, but they too are not exempt from recalls. Every brand hopes for models that are free of issues, but it is not always given that they will be. Unfortunately for BMW, it has had to recall the two models built within nine months due to defective battery cell manufacturing. Users of the models have been advised to park the cars outside, away from buildings and structures, and not charge them or drive them.
The potential risk of battery fires is said to affect 83 vehicles that are part of the recall. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association, NHTSA, has advised users to adhere to the recall after a few incidents triggered BMW to conduct an investigation. The findings indicate that the cathode plate on the cells seems to have suffered damage during the manufacturing of the cells. Consequently, the debris causes a short circuit resulting in a fire inside the cell. The issue is said to be from the Samsung SDI supplier, although no injuries or accidents have been reported.
This looks like one of the risks OEMs take when using outside sources for their manufacturing needs. The suppliers might be keen on building to given specifications, but the chances of being off or an unexpected issue arising are still there. In some cases, inexpensive replacements are all needed to resolve, whereas in other cases, they might not be that cheap. BMW, in this case, is lucky since the issue is fixable with battery pack replacement. The good news is that the replacement can be done at your dealer’s.
In case you are an owner of i4s and iXs, the production dates you should be looking at are between November 22, 2021, and July 30th, 2022. It is also possible to check whether your car has been affected by the recall by visiting the NHTSA website and checking your vehicle’s VIN. It is easy to even for those who might not know how build dates are located.
Chevrolet Bolt has a similar recall on its battery packs, with the issue also arising on the part of the cell supplier. The recall torn cell separator and torn anode posed potential risks of short-circuiting the batteries leading to fires. Notification letters to owners of the affected vehicles are expected to start sometime in September, but it is key for owners to get in touch with the automaker. BMW is scheduled to provide alternate transportation for the affected, awaiting the availability of needed parts.
It is the second recall in two months for the iX and i4 after the automaker called EVs for potential glitches in the software in driver displays when vehicles were in Valet Mode. It is, however, consoling that all that is needed is a simple replacement of the battery packs and nothing more.
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