The BMW i4 has been proving to be a successful product for the brand, but it looks like this launch might not be free of any scandal. A new report reveals that certain models that left the plant in Munich, Germany may not have been fitted with crucial battery pack crash pads.

Why is this important? The European Safety Gate explains that without these pads, the high-voltage pack is at risk of short-circuiting and igniting into flames if it sustains a severe side-impact collision. As a result, it states that the product is not in compliance with the requirements laid out for motor vehicles and their trailers.

The report notes that the only products affected so far are models that have been sold in Denmark, Poland, and Sweden that were produced from September 15 to November 30, 2021. The manufacturer has issued a recall of the i4 from current owners in these markets for the issue to be resolved.

The 83.9-kWh battery pack in the BMW i4 is bolted to the floor pan of the design to maintain a low center of gravity and high chassis rigidity. For it to maintain composure while charging in varying environments, the system has been provided with a heating and cooling system which manages the temperature of the system via a series of efficient pumps. As you can imagine, these components must be well-guarded from high-impact accidents.

Currently, it doesn't look as if any U.S. models have been affected by the omission of this crucial feature which is a relief because the electric sedan has been a hit with many consumers. The i4 is so popular here that its pre-order numbers of 2,095 reservations eclipsed those of the iX's 952 reservations. This ratio is unusual when you consider the market's current SUV-biased trend.

This popularity is something that BMW CEO Oliver Zipse confirms is taking place across the globe, with the entirety of its i4 production being "sold out for months". It is currently having difficulty with meeting this massive demand because the factory does not have enough factory workers to assemble more units, but you can be sure that all new hires will be trained to check for the installation of these crash pads in future.