BMW X3 and Related Models: Hybrid Battery Short-Circuit Fire Risk
BMW is recalling hybrid X3, 330e, X5, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE models with loose battery welds that may cause short-circuits and fire. All vehicles have already been remedied.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: This recall involves a structural electrical defect in the hybrid battery system that could cause short-circuits and fire, meeting the criterion for Severe classification under NHTSA guidance. Although no injuries or fires have been reported, structural vehicle defects that pose fire hazards are inherently serious.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2020 and 2021 BMW X3 xDrive30e, 2021 BMW 330e, 2021 BMW X5 xDrive45e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE models. Loose welding beads in the hybrid battery may form a conductive path between battery cells, potentially causing a short-circuit that increases the risk of fire.
A total of 713 vehicles are affected by this recall. Owners were initially notified on October 16, 2020.
BMW dealers will inspect and replace battery modules at no cost. All potentially affected vehicles have already been remedied. Owners can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 for more information.
The recalled product
- Product
- MINI, BMW COUNTRYMAN, X3, X5, 330E
- Brand
- MINI
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Category
- Vehicle — Hybrid Battery System
- Affected units
- 713
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (4)
- COUNTRYMAN
- X3
- X5
- 330E
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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