BMW is recalling 12,535 Mini Cooper SE electric vehicles due to potential battery defects that could lead to fires, according to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The recall affects Mini Cooper SE models produced from 2020 to 2024, where the batteries may have been manufactured outside standard production specifications. This defect can cause overheating in the battery or high-voltage system, posing a significant fire risk, even when the vehicle is parked.
The German automaker plans to address the issue with a software update that includes a diagnostic function capable of detecting malfunctions in the high-voltage system. To mitigate the risk, the update will also discharge the battery below 30 percent state-of-charge in emergency mode.
Owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by October 7 and instructed to bring their cars to an authorized dealership for a free fix.
If a battery shorts circuits before the recall is completed, repairs will be covered under the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty program. Owners can verify if their vehicle is part of the recall by visiting the NHTSA recalls website.
