BMW North America will be asking the owners of certain 2020-2021 BMW and MINI hybrid cars and SUVs, to return to their dealerships to repair a manufacturing problem affecting the high voltage battery.

The high voltage battery in these vehicles may not have been produced according to specification. According to the defect report, an incomplete cleaning during the battery module welding process could result in welding beads left within the battery assembly. Depending upon the size, shape and position of the beads, the beads could develop a short between the cells. In rare cases, the short circuit could lead to a thermal event and a vehicle fire.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their BMW dealership to have the battery modules inspected and replaced as necessary. The NHTSA recall number is 20V-495.