The vehicles' high-voltage batteries have a dual-battery cell module design that risks causing thermal runaway.

(Image credit: CnEVPost)

BMW announced a recall of tens of thousands of new energy vehicles (NEVs) in China over a power battery issue, the latest recall by the German luxury automaker.

BMW is recalling 41,446 units of 5 Series plug-in hybrid vehicles in China with production dates between December 11, 2017, and December 7, 2019, which will take place starting January 12, 2024, according to China's State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) website announcement.

The dual battery cell module of the high-voltage battery of the vehicles included in this recall may experience displacement of its internal cells due to design reasons, resulting in an insulation failure, according to the announcement.

When this occurs, the high-voltage system shuts down and the vehicle illuminates a malfunction light and a pop-up malfunction message, but the engine can operate normally.

In extreme cases, the risk of thermal runaway cannot be ruled out if the cell comes into contact with the battery case, the announcement said.

BMW Brilliance, BMW's joint venture in China, will replace the dual cell modules of all four high-voltage batteries in the recalled vehicles free of charge to eliminate the safety hazard.

In addition to these 5 Series plug-in hybrids, BMW is also recalling a total of 4,519 imported 7 Series vehicles with production dates between October 13, 2022 and January 26, 2023, effective immediately.

Due to the hard material of the wiper linkage, these 7 Series vehicles may see the connection between the linkage and the shaft wear and loosen, causing the wipers to not work properly and affecting the driver's field of vision.

BMW will inspect the wiper linkage free of charge for the recalled vehicles and replace it if necessary to eliminate the potential safety hazard.

BMW has already conducted several recalls in China this year, the latest of which was in September when it recalled 342 imported 7 Series cars and one imported i7 electric vehicles (EVs) because of a software problem with the touchpad.

In February, BMW recalled a total of 93,632 iX Series, i3 and i4 electric vehicles in China due to a software issue.

In June, BMW recalled 99 EVs in China due to the risk of power output interruption.

In August, BMW recalled 29 EVs for charging issues.

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