Mini Cooper SE EV Recalled Over Fire Risk

Recall Details

• Mini is recalling 12,535 Cooper EVs due to a fire risk.
• Impacted models were built between March 21, 2019 and January 25, 2024.
• A simple software update can solve the problem.

More than 12,500 Mini Cooper SE EVs are being recalled due to a potential fire hazard caused by high-voltage batteries. This recall should not be ignored by owners.

Issue with High-Voltage Batteries

The car manufacturer has identified faults in the high-voltage battery or high-voltage system that can trigger a short circuit, leading to overheating and a fire, even when the vehicle is not in operation. The exact cause of the faults is not specified in the documents, as they could be caused by several reasons.

Impacted Models

A total of 12,535 Mini Cooper SE 2 Door Hardtops from the 2020-2024 model years are affected by the recall. These vehicles were manufactured between March 21, 2019 and January 25, 2024.

Recall Timeline

The potential problem was first reported in October 2023 when a Cooper SE caught fire in the United States. Subsequently, another model burst into flames in Germany in January of this year. An engineering analysis revealed isolation faults within the battery. Investigations were conducted between April and July, leading to the decision to issue a recall on August 8. No accidents or injuries related to the issue have been reported to BMW.

Resolution and Next Steps

Owners will be notified about the recall starting in October. Fortunately, a mechanical fix is not required as the issue can be resolved with a software update. The update will include a diagnostic function to detect malfunctions in the high-voltage battery and automatically discharge the battery to below 30% state-of-charge.