BMW Recalls Over 70,000 Electric Vehicles Due to Risk of Power Loss While Driving

BMW has announced a voluntary recall of more than 70,000 of its modern electric vehicles due to a software defect in the electric drive system that may cause the high-voltage system to shut down suddenly while driving. This can lead to loss of power and propulsion, increasing the risk of accidents.

Affected Models

The recall covers some of BMW’s most popular electric models produced between 2022 and 2025, including:

• BMW i4 (2022–2025) – over 35,000 units
  
  

• BMW iX (2022–2024) – around 25,000 units
  
  

• BMW i7 (2023–2024) – over 5,400 units
  
  

• BMW i5 (2024) – approximately 4,700 units
  
  

These models represent BMW’s current generation of electric vehicles that combine high performance with efficiency.

Nature of the Technical Issue

According to reports from the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue lies in the electric motor’s control software, which may mistakenly detect a “double-isolation” condition. This safety indicator causes the high-voltage system to shut down for 15 to 20 seconds, accompanied by a red warning message on the dashboard.

During this sudden shutdown, the vehicle loses propulsion and cannot accelerate, entering a coasting state, although steering and braking systems continue to function normally. However, the unexpected loss of power can increase the risk of accidents, especially on highways or in heavy traffic.

Investigations and History

BMW began investigating the issue in 2021, initially suspecting contamination inside the electric motors. Due to few early complaints, pinpointing the cause was challenging.

After years of research, the company found that the software could not accurately distinguish between a true double-isolation condition, which requires system shutdown, and a single-isolation condition, which does not. This detection error led to unnecessary shutdowns as a safety precaution to prevent electric shock or thermal hazards.

Complaints and Reports

BMW has received about 43 warranty complaints related to power loss while driving at speeds above 20 mph (32 km/h). Reassuringly, no accidents or injuries have been reported so far linked to this issue.

Solutions and Actions

To fix the problem, BMW will deliver a software update for the electric motor control system via over-the-air (OTA) updates free of charge, eliminating the need for most owners to visit dealerships. Customers can also visit service centers for manual installation if preferred.

The company plans to start sending recall notifications to owners by mail starting August 5, 2025, with full instructions on how to perform the update.

Importance of Software Updates in Electric Vehicles

This case highlights the challenges faced by modern electric vehicles, which increasingly rely on complex software to manage power systems and driver assistance. OTA updates provide an efficient way to fix issues without complicated procedures but also emphasize the need for rigorous software testing before release.

BMW’s Electric Future: The “Neue Klasse” Platform

This recall comes as BMW prepares to launch a new generation of electric vehicles built on the “Neue Klasse” platform, featuring integrated electrical architecture independent of combustion engines. This platform supports an 800-volt system for faster charging and advanced cylindrical batteries to improve range and performance.

The first model from this series is expected to debut at the Munich Motor Show in September 2025, with plans to launch high-performance electric sedans such as an electric M3 variant.

Impact on Customer Trust

Although no accidents or injuries have resulted, recalling such a large number of vehicles highlights the importance of monitoring software quality in electric cars. BMW is committed to resolving the issue promptly to maintain customer trust and strengthen its position as a leader in luxury electric vehicles.

Advice for Affected BMW Electric Vehicle Owners

• Check your email or postal mail for recall notifications.
  
  

• Visit a BMW service center or update your vehicle’s software online immediately.
  
  

• Do not ignore warning messages on the dashboard, especially red warnings or alert icons.
  
  

• Contact BMW customer service with any questions.
  
  

This case illustrates how the growing reliance on software in modern vehicles requires constant vigilance from both manufacturers and consumers to ensure safety and optimal performance.