
BMW has confirmed to TopAuto that two units of the electric iX SUV in South Africa were identified for inspection for a potential battery defect – which can, in a worst-case scenario, lead to the vehicle catching fire.
“As part of quality controls carried out by the BMW Group, it was found that, in very rare cases, a manufacturing defect occurred in the production process of the cells within a limited period of time,” said BMW’s domestic subsidiary.
“This manufacturing defect may lead to malfunctions in the high-voltage battery. In rare cases, these can lead to discharge of the cell and, in a worst-case scenario, to a fire.”
The company said it has already contacted the affected South African owners and plans will be arranged to replace the faulty cell modules on their vehicles.
Fortunately, no units of the i4 in the local market have yet been flagged for the potential issue.
83 vehicles recalled
The domestic recall of potentially-compromised electric BMWs comes after 56 models of the iX and 27 of the the i4 were identified in the United States for similar issues, reported AutoBlog.
BMW launched an investigation into the possible cause of the fires after the first incident occurred in April of this year.
The company found a manufacturing defect with certain Samsung SDI battery cells fitted in iX models produced between 2 December 2021 and 30 June 2022, and in i4 models built between 22 November 2021 and 13 June 2022, according to Engagdget.
Owners of potentially-affected units were warned by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration not to drive their cars, charge them, or park them inside for fear of the vehicle catching fire.
Luckily, though, the German manufacturer sources batteries from both Samsung and CATL, meaning not all its electric vehicles are impacted by this potential problem.
BMW said there have not been any accidents or injuries that have occurred due to the battery defects.