Car and heater brands face urgent safety recall over fire hazards

As we navigate the roads of life, safety behind the wheel is paramount.

This concern has become all too real for Mini Cooper and Sundear Sunmore–H 2000, a popular heater across Australia, as a recent recall has spotlighted a potentially fiery issue.

If you're the proud owner of these two, it's time to pay close attention.


German automaker BMW, which owns the Mini brand, has issued a recall for nearly 1500 Mini Cooper SE models manufactured between 2020 and 2023.

This urgent recall is due to a high-voltage battery management software defect that could lead to a short circuit, posing a serious fire risk to drivers and passengers alike.


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Nearly 1,500 Mini Cooper SE models in Australia are recalled for a fire risk due to a battery software defect. Credit: Shutterstock


The vehicle recall notice has sent ripples of concern through the Mini community:

'The high-voltage battery management software has insufficient protections for short circuit events. ‘

‘As a result, if a short circuit occurs, it could lead to a vehicle fire whilst driving or parked.'


The recall affects 1408 Mini Cooper SE models.

The next steps are crucial for Mini Cooper SE owners.

BMW is calling for an urgent software update to address this defect.

Owners are urged to bring their vehicles to an authorised Mini dealership, where the software update will be performed.

This update is designed to diagnose the malfunction and, most importantly, eliminate the risk of fire.

The recall reminds us of the importance of vehicle maintenance and the vigilance required by car manufacturers and owners alike.

If you're concerned about your Mini Cooper SE or require more information about this recall, BMW Australia has established a recall hotline at 1800 243 675.


In similar news, Product Safety Australia has flagged the Euroblade Suntower infrared heater, specifically the Sundear Sunmore–H 2000 model, for failing to meet electrical safety standards.

‘The heat produced by the heater in close proximity (500mm or less) to objects exceeds the maximum levels of the standard,’ the recall said.


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The Euroblade Suntower infrared heater Sundear Sunmore–H 2000 model has been recalled. Credit: Shutterstock


‘There is a risk of serious burn injury or death and/or property damage if objects close to the heater catch fire.’

The advice for those who have purchased this model is clear and urgent: stop using the heater immediately.

Switching it off, unplugging it from the power source, and avoiding attempting to fix the issue yourself is important.


DIY repairs on electrical appliances can be dangerous and may further compromise safety.

You're entitled to a remedy if you own one of these heaters.

Show TV Australia, the distributor, is offering a replacement heater from the Euroblade range or a full refund.

Customers can email or call Show TV at (03) 9465 8917 during business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm AEST, Monday to Friday) to arrange this.
Key Takeaways
  • Almost 1500 Mini Cooper SE models in Australia have been recalled due to a high-voltage battery management software defect that could lead to a fire.
  • The cars affected were manufactured by BMW between 2020 and 2023, with 1408 vehicles impacted by this issue.
  • Owners of the recalled Mini Coopers are urged to bring their vehicles to an authorised dealership for an urgent software update to eliminate the fire risk.
  • BMW Australia has provided a recall hotline for those needing more information, with the number being 1800 243 675.
  • An electric heater sold on television, the Euroblade Suntower infrared heater Sundear Sunmore–H 2000 model, has been recalled.
  • The recalled heater did not meet electrical safety standards and poses a severe burn injury or fire hazard.
  • The heater's owners are advised to immediately stop using it, switch it off, and unplug it, then contact Show TV Australia for a replacement or refund.
  • Contact details for Show TV Australia have been provided so that affected customers can request their replacement or refund.
How do the safety concerns of everyday products shape your decisions as a consumer? How do recalls impact your view of brands and their dedication to customer safety? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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Won't worry me in the slightest. I remember the highway patrol in NSW had the mini coopers. Those mini's were certainly the go back then & were an extremely popular car indeed. They'd go like the "Blazers". Very nippy indeed.
 
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