All-Electric MINI Cooper Recalled For Battery Fire Risk

MINI has initiated a voluntary safety recall affecting approximately 12,535 vehicles equipped with high-voltage batteries that may not have been produced according to specifications.

The recall targets all-electric Cooper SE models manufactured between March 21, 2019, and January 25, 2024, which may experience faults in the high-voltage battery or system. The safety risk associated with this issue is significant. In rare cases, these faults could cause the high-voltage battery to overheat, potentially resulting in a thermal event–more commonly known as a fire– even when the vehicle is not in operation.

MINI became aware of this risk following a field incident in October 2023 involving a MINI Hardtop 2 Door Cooper SE model in the U.S., where the vehicle caught fire. Further analysis identified isolation faults within the high-voltage battery, leading to a broader investigation.

By August 2024, BMW had identified two customer complaints or field instances potentially related to this issue. Fortunately, no accidents or injuries have been reported.

As part of the recall, affected vehicles will receive a software update that includes a diagnostic function to detect malfunctions in the high-voltage battery. If a fault is detected, the system will discharge the battery to below 30% State-of-Charge (SOC) and place the high-voltage battery into emergency mode.

Owners will be notified by mail beginning on October 7, 2024, with instructions to schedule an appointment at an authorized MINI dealer for the free remedy. If a vehicle experiences this condition before the recall is performed, the repair will be covered under the MINI New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, negating the need for reimbursement.

This article was co-written using AI and was then heavily edited and optimized by our editorial team.

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