Recall for all ‘old’ Mini Cooper SEs
Affected are the vehicles of the first generation of the Mini Cooper SE built in Europe between November 2018 and January 2024. The new generation, which was presented at the IAA Mobility in September 2023, is explicitly not affected. The new vehicles are based on a completely different platform and are built in cooperation with Great Wall Motors in China.
It is estimated that around 150,000 units are affected worldwide, with 12,535 units in the USA, and around 39,000 units in Germany, according to figures from the German publication Auto, Motor und Sport. There is no official KBA recall yet. In Germany and the USA, one vehicle each has already caught fire due to the fault – but in no case was there any personal injury.
According to the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the recall is due to faults potentially occurring in the high-voltage battery or high-voltage system, “which could be caused by various reasons.” This could result in a short circuit, which has led to the manufacturer launching a global recall.
Under the recall, however, not all 150,000 batteries or battery housings will be replaced immediately, but a software update will be installed. This consists of an improved diagnostic function that reliably detects such insulation faults and then discharges the battery to below 30 per cent. With the lower charge level and lower voltage, Mini wants to prevent a possible battery fire.
Only when an insulation fault is recognised by the new software should the workshop examine the battery more closely and replace it if necessary. The decision on the software recall – as the old electric Mini is not yet OTA-capable, the cars actually have to go to the workshop – was made in the USA at the beginning of August. US dealers were informed in mid-August and customers are to be notified by 7 October 2024. No timetable is yet known for Germany.
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