BMW is initiating a recall for over 70,000 electric vehicles from the 2022-2025 model years due to a software defect in the electric motor control system that can lead to a sudden loss of drive power. This significant recall impacts a substantial portion of BMW's recent EV production, underscoring the complexities of software integration in advanced automotive platforms and its direct implications for vehicle safety and market confidence.

The affected models include 35,414 units of the BMW i4 (2022-2025 model years), 25,280 units of the BMW iX SUV (2022-2024 model years), 5,484 BMW i7 sedans (2023-2024 model years), and 4,674 units of the 2024 BMW i5 sedan. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the issue stems from electric motor software that may erroneously trigger a shutdown of the high-voltage system. This malfunction occurs when the software mistakenly identifies a "double-isolation condition," leading to a complete loss of propulsion.

Drivers may observe a red warning message and symbol on the dashboard approximately 15 to 20 seconds before power is cut. While power steering and braking systems remain operational, a loss of drive power while in motion significantly increases the risk of a crash. The NHTSA estimates that approximately 0.1 percent of the recalled vehicles are affected by this specific software anomaly.

The investigation into this issue commenced following a series of warranty claims in 2021 and 2022 related to electric drive motor shutdowns. Subsequent analyses in 2023 and 2024 revealed that the vehicle software was unable to accurately differentiate between a true double-isolation condition, which necessitates a high-voltage system shutdown for electric shock prevention, and a benign single-isolation condition. This diagnostic ambiguity led the software to err on the side of caution by shutting down the high-voltage system.

BMW voluntarily initiated the safety recall on June 6. The automaker has received approximately 43 warranty claims involving drive motor shutdowns at speeds exceeding 20 mph, but importantly, no accidents or injuries have been attributed to this problem. To rectify the defect, BMW will update the electric motor software for all affected vehicles. Owners will have the option to receive this crucial update either through an over-the-air (OTA) software deployment or by visiting an authorized BMW dealership. Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed by August 5, with instructions for accessing the necessary software update.