BMW is recalling over 70,000 electric vehicles due to software errors that can cause power loss, even while in motion. The BMW i4, iX SUV, i7 sedan, and i5 sedan are the models most significantly affected.
The recall includes 35,414 units from 2022 to 2025, 25,280 units from 2022 to 2024, 5,484 from 2023 and 2024, and 4,674 units from 2024. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that 0.1% of vehicles are affected. The recall aims to address the issue and ensure safety for all BMW vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that electric motor software may cause a high-voltage system shutdown, causing a vehicle to lose power. The software mistakenly identifies a “double-isolation condition” and displays a red warning message and symbol on dashboard screens 15 to 20 seconds before cutting power.
While power steering and braking are unaffected, the shutdown could increase the risk of a crash if it happens while driving. Vehicle assembly information and supplier production records were consulted to determine affected vehicles.
The recall began after a series of warranty claims in 2021 and 2022. The NHTSA documents reveal that the software could not determine if a detected double-isolation condition was a true double-isolation condition or a single-isolation condition.
To prevent an electric shock, the software turned off the high-voltage system. BMW claims it has received around 43 warranty claims involving the shutdown of drive motors at speeds over 20 mph.
The company will update the software for affected vehicles either at dealerships or over-the-air, also, owners will be contacted by mail by August 5 and instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer or perform the update over the air.
