BMW recalls some Mini Cooper SEs due to potential battery fire risk

Mini New Zealand says it’s aware of global recalls affecting the previous Mini Cooper SE generation model produced between June 10, 2020, and December 1, 2022.

The issue is affecting the old model (F56).

“Quality tests have shown 14 vehicles in New Zealand have been part of this recall that showed an error displayed by a check control message. 

“These customers have all been contacted with seven of them already having had the necessary repairs done to their vehicles. 

“Our dealers are currently liaising with the other seven customers to arrange vehicle checks and repairs, if necessary. 

“The safety of BMW Group customers is our highest priority, and we will continue to work closely together with our dealers to manage this campaign.”

Meanwhile, BMW has issued a recall in the US for 12,535 Mini Cooper SE electric hatchbacks from model years 2020 to about 2024 due to a manufacturing defect in the battery packs that could lead to short-circuits.

These issues have the potential to cause overheating and, in rare instances, could result in a “thermal event,” even when the vehicle is parked and turned off, says BMW.

The Mini Cooper SE is the all-electric version of the iconic three-door Mini hatch, first introduced in the 2020 model year.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the affected battery packs may not have been produced according to the required specifications, which increases the risk of a fault in the high-voltage system.

BMW has reported two customer complaints potentially related to this issue, but no accidents or injuries have been documented.

BMW says it will provide a free software update to affected vehicles, the update including a diagnostic function that can detect malfunctions in the high-voltage system and automatically discharge the battery to below a 30% state-of-charge in an emergency mode to prevent overheating.

The brand plans to begin notifying owners by mail in the US on October 7, 2024, instructing them to schedule an appointment with their authorised dealership for the update.

In April 2024, BMW recalled 145 vehicles from the same model years due to potential water damage in the battery packs, which also posed a fire risk, says BMW, adding US owners can check the NHTSA recalls website to see if their vehicle is part of the recall and to ensure that their Mini Cooper SE remains safe and roadworthy.

Meanwhile, Reuters reckons BMW’s recall could potentially affect more than 140,000 cars, according to what a BMW spokesperson told them.

“A vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked, cannot be ruled out,” says Reuters of BMW’s statement, although adding no accidents or injuries are known in this context.