It seems that no automobile brand, no matter how reputable, escapes a recall. This time it has been BMW’s turn, which, following complaints from the South Korean market, has been forced to acknowledge a fault in its electric cars. After its introduction in the EV market in 2013, encouraged by the good data reported by Tesla and with the intention of competing with them, they had not had to face a situation like this.
Apparently, a failure in the coding of an electric motor software, is causing the high voltage system to shut down, causing a loss of engine power. BMW has announced that it will contact affected customers, owners of i4, i5, i7 and iX models, before August 2055. Users will only have to download an OTA (over the air) update, and the problem will be fixed.
BMW
It is probably one of the most reputable automotive manufacturing brands in the world market. Founded by Karl App, Gustav Otto, Camillo Castiglioni and Franz Josef Pop in 1916, it is headquartered in Munich, Germany. It has subsidiary brands such as Mini, Rolls-Royce, BMWi and BMW Bank. The BMW name is associated with quality, efficiency, design, power, and high-end. Its way of working is exquisite, with rigor and professionalism, it is one of the best valued brands.
Betting on the EV market
BMW is one of the companies with the longest track record in the sector, and has offered a wide variety of models and designs throughout its career. That is why in 2011, after seeing the success experienced by Tesla with the launch of electric vehicles, it decided to jump into the pool. They could not afford to fall behind in innovation. In 2013 came its all-electric model, the BMW 1602 Elektro-Antrieb. Since then it has continued to produce 100% electric and hybrid models. It was with the i8, a hybrid sports car, that it experienced great market acceptance and success.
What happened to the well-reputed BMW?
Although reports reveal that the company was aware of this fault as far back as 2021, it was not until complaints from the South Korean market grew that it decided to take action. BMW has recalled more than 70,000 cars after finding the fault was occurring with its electric lineup. Given its reputation for quality, it is hard to believe that its engineers missed something, but they did. The problem was detected in the power line. A coding fault in an electric motor software was analyzed, which causes the high voltage system to shut down, resulting in a sudden loss of power to the motor.
Which models are being affected?
Several models have been affected by this electrical failure, some of them produced at BMW Group’s Spartanburg, South Carolina plant. Find out if your model is one of those affected:
- 2022-2024 i4.
- 2025 i4 eDrive35.
- 2025 i4 eDrive40.
- 2022-2024 iX.
- 2023-2024 i7.
- 2024 i5.
The company has proceeded to resolve this issue as quickly and efficiently as possible. It has announced that affected customers will be notified by August 2025. Although it is a major malfunction, the solution provided is very simple. Drivers will only have to download an OTA update.
How will this recall affect BMW?
The truth is that it has been a hard blow for the brand. If there is one thing BMW provides, it is security for its customers. Aspects such as quality, anticipation of inconveniences, anticipation of needs, and a practically perfect user experience are taken for granted. That is why its reaction has been immediate, preventing it from spreading to other models. That is why the impact will not be as strong as expected. Yes, there has been an inconvenience, but they have solved it at great speed and provided an easy and convenient solution for consumers.