BMW Recalls 70,000 EVs Over Software Bug Causing Power Loss

Major Electric Vehicle Recall Issued for Software Safety Issue

BMW has issued a significant recall affecting over 70,000 electric vehicles in the United States due to a critical software bug that could cause sudden loss of drive power while driving. The recall, officially designated as 25V395 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), represents one of the largest EV software-related safety actions of 2025.

Affected Models and Safety Risks

The recall impacts multiple BMW electric models including 2022-2024 BMW i4, 2025 BMW i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40, 2022-2024 BMW iX, 2023-2024 BMW i7, and 2024 BMW i5 vehicles. According to BMW's investigation, the software error in the electric drive motor may unexpectedly shut down the high-voltage system, leading to sudden power loss while the vehicle is in motion.

'This software defect could erroneously detect a double-isolation condition and shut down the high-voltage system without warning,' explained a BMW spokesperson. 'While power steering and braking systems remain functional, the sudden loss of drive power at highway speeds significantly increases crash risk.'

Safety Mitigation and Repair Protocols

BMW is addressing the safety concern through two primary methods: over-the-air (OTA) software updates and dealer service appointments. The company has developed a software patch that resolves the detection algorithm issue and prevents the erroneous shutdowns.

'We're making this fix available both through over-the-air updates and at authorized dealerships at no cost to owners,' stated the BMW representative. 'The OTA update allows us to protect our customers quickly without requiring them to visit service centers.'

Consumer Guidance and Notification Process

Affected vehicle owners will receive official notification letters by mail by August 5, 2025. BMW has established multiple channels for consumers to check their vehicle's recall status and schedule repairs.

Consumers can verify if their vehicle is affected by:

• Calling BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417
• Visiting the NHTSA recall website
• Checking their vehicle identification number (VIN) through BMW's official recall portal

'I received the notification last week and immediately scheduled my OTA update,' shared John Martinez, a 2023 BMW i4 owner from California. 'The process was seamless, and I appreciate BMW's proactive approach to addressing this safety issue.'

Industry Context and Regulatory Oversight

This BMW recall comes amid increased regulatory scrutiny of electric vehicle software systems. The NHTSA has been actively monitoring software-related safety issues across multiple EV manufacturers in 2025.

According to automotive safety expert Dr. Sarah Chen, 'Software recalls are becoming more common as vehicles become increasingly digital. The ability to fix issues through over-the-air updates represents a significant advancement in automotive safety, but it also highlights the importance of robust software testing and validation processes.'

The recall has prompted discussions about the broader implications for electric vehicle safety standards. Industry analysts note that while traditional mechanical recalls still occur, software-related issues are becoming more prevalent as vehicles incorporate more advanced digital systems.

Looking Forward: EV Safety and Consumer Protection

As electric vehicles continue to gain market share, manufacturers are developing more sophisticated safety protocols for addressing software issues. The BMW recall demonstrates how modern automotive companies can leverage technology to quickly address safety concerns while minimizing disruption to consumers.

Vehicle owners are encouraged to remain vigilant about recall notifications and promptly address any safety-related software updates. Regular software maintenance and staying informed about manufacturer communications are essential for ensuring vehicle safety in the digital age.

For ongoing updates about this recall and other vehicle safety information, consumers can subscribe to NHTSA safety alerts or follow BMW's official communications channels.