BMW has announced a major recall affecting nearly 71,000 electric vehicles (EVs) due to a critical software flaw that could lead to a sudden loss of drive power. The issue lies within the software governing the electric drive motor, which may mistakenly trigger a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This malfunction, though temporary, poses a serious safety risk as it can result in a complete loss of propulsion, raising the likelihood of a crash. Among the affected models are the 2022 to 2025 BMW i4, the 2022 to 2024 BMW iX, and the 2023 to 2024 BMW i7. Additionally, 4,674 units of the 2024 BMW i5 are also subject to recall.
According to the official safety recall report, the software may incorrectly detect what’s called a “double-isolation condition.” When this occurs, the vehicle's high-voltage system is programmed to shut down for around 15 to 20 seconds after a warning message is displayed to the driver. While this shutdown halts the propulsion system and causes the car to coast, the steering and braking systems remain functional, which helps maintain some level of control. Nevertheless, the sudden loss of drive power could lead to dangerous situations, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.
BMW began investigating this issue as early as 2021. Initial assessments suggested that debris might have entered the electric motors, potentially interfering with their performance. However, because the number of reported incidents was initially very low, the company struggled to determine the root cause. Over the course of several years, further analysis revealed that the system might be incorrectly interpreting a double-isolation fault—normally a safety feature designed to prevent electric shock or overheating. In reality, some of these cases might involve only a single-isolation fault, which wouldn’t require a full shutdown.
This misinterpretation by the vehicle software led to unnecessary system shutdowns. BMW has now identified approximately 43 warranty claims involving propulsion loss while driving at speeds exceeding 32 km/h. Fortunately, no crashes or injuries have been reported in connection to the defect.
To resolve the issue, BMW is rolling out an updated version of the electric drive motor software. This fix will be delivered via an over-the-air (OTA) update, allowing most owners to receive the patch without visiting a dealership. For those who prefer or require in-person service, dealerships will also offer the software update. BMW has announced that official notification letters will be sent to vehicle owners beginning on August 5.