Recall 20V-490: 2021 BMW 330e, 2020–2021 BMW X3 and 2 more

BMW of North America, LLC recall for electrical system, reported to NHTSA on Aug 18, 2020, covering about 713 vehicles.

NHTSA number
20V-490
Report date
Aug 18, 2020
Vehicles affected
713
Owners notified
Oct 12, 2020

The problem

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

The risk

A short-circuited hybrid battery may increase the risk of a fire.

The fix

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

ManufacturerBMW of North America, LLC
ComponentElectrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery
Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number20V490000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
BMW 330e2021All years
BMW X32020, 2021All years
BMW X52021All years
MINI Countryman2020All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V-490?

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330e and X5 xDrive45e, 2020-2021 X3 xDrive30e, and 2020 MINI Countryman SE ALL4 vehicles. Loose welding beads may form a conductive path between the hybrid battery cells which could lead to a short-circuit.

How is recall 20V-490 fixed?

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery modules, free of charge. BMW issued owners an interim notification on October 16, 2020. Although potentially affected BMW owners received interim owner notification letters, all potentially affected BMW owner vehicles have been remedied; therefore, BMW Final owner notification letters will not be necessary. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.