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2013 BMW 328I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most 328I years

Owner complaints for the 2013 BMW 328I are substantially higher than the model-year median of 98.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

137 reports with mileage · 120 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 92 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 61 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 44 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports8 fire reports14 injury reports

Service Brakes complaints

31 reports
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11,000 miles · Jan 15, 2014
Service BrakesCrash

INTERMITTANT LOSS OF BRAKE ASSIST RESULTING IN REAR END COLLISION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10560135

200 miles · Oct 2, 2013
Service Brakes

WHY WOULD THIS INFORMATION BE ON THE INTERNET, WHILE NHTSA HAS NOT RELEASED ANY RECALL INFORMATION AT ALL? THIS IS NOT THE ONLY INFORMATION ABOUT A "BRAKE" RECALL, WHILE NHTSA'S ODI HAS INITIATED A BRAKE "INVESTIGATION." VARIOUS BMW INTERNET FORUMS HAVE INDICATED A "RECALL" IN DETAIL...BUT NHTSA'S WEB SITE INDICATES NOTHI…

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WHY WOULD THIS INFORMATION BE ON THE INTERNET, WHILE NHTSA HAS NOT RELEASED ANY RECALL INFORMATION AT ALL? THIS IS NOT THE ONLY INFORMATION ABOUT A "BRAKE" RECALL, WHILE NHTSA'S ODI HAS INITIATED A BRAKE "INVESTIGATION." VARIOUS BMW INTERNET FORUMS HAVE INDICATED A "RECALL" IN DETAIL...BUT NHTSA'S WEB SITE INDICATES NOTHING. WHAT'S GOING ON? RECALL: 176,000 BMWS FOR POWER BRAKING FAILURE THE 3-SERIES, 5-SERIES, X1, X3 AND Z4 MODELS WITH 4-CYLINDER ENGINES ARE AFFECTED. BY EXHAUST NOTES 11 HOURS AGO BMW IS RECALLING 176,000 CARS WORLDWIDE TO FIX POWER BRAKE FAILURES, ACCORDING TO WIRE REPORTS AND FILINGS WITH THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION. ON 2012-2014 BMW MODELS WITH THE COMPANY'S NEW 2.0-LITER TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER ENGINE -- INCLUDING THE Z4 SDRIVE28I, 320I AND 328I, 528I, X1 SDRIVE28I AND XDRIVE28I, AND THE X3 XDRIVE28I -- THE ENGINE VACUUM PUMP CAN LOSE PRESSURIZED OIL MEANT TO DRIVE THE POWER BRAKE MECHANISM. DUE TO A POOR FIT OF THE INTAKE CAMSHAFT'S SEAL DISK, OIL MAY BE BLOCKED FROM LEAVING THE ENGINE TO LUBRICATE THE VACUUM PUMP, WHICH COULD THEN CAUSE THE VACUUM PUMP TO FAIL AND THE LOSS OF POWER-ASSIST BRAKING. WHILE THE BRAKES WOULD STILL WORK, STOPPING DISTANCES WOULD INCREASE DUE TO INCREASED DRIVER FORCE NEEDED ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. A TOTAL OF 76,190 CARS ARE AFFECTED IN THE U.S. THE DIESEL-POWERED 328D IS NOT AFFECTED. MORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10546468

200 miles · Sep 27, 2013
Service Brakes

WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON A TWO LANE ROAD, I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AS AN INTERSECTION WAS AHEAD. WHEN I PUSHED MY BRAKE PEDAL IN, IT RETURNED NO PRESSURE AND FELT LIKE MY BRAKES WERE OUT. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, WHILE USING THE E-BRAKE AS BACK-UP AND CAME TO A STOP. I DID NOT THINK THE VEHICLE W…

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WHILE DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON A TWO LANE ROAD, I WENT TO APPLY MY BRAKES AS AN INTERSECTION WAS AHEAD. WHEN I PUSHED MY BRAKE PEDAL IN, IT RETURNED NO PRESSURE AND FELT LIKE MY BRAKES WERE OUT. I PUSHED THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR, WHILE USING THE E-BRAKE AS BACK-UP AND CAME TO A STOP. I DID NOT THINK THE VEHICLE WOULD COME TO A STOP BEFORE ENTERING THE INTERSECTION. I RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE LOCATION AND NOTIFIED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE FOR A TOW THE NEXT MORNING. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP SINCE LAST MONDAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10545746

3,100 miles · Sep 13, 2013
Service BrakesCrash

PURCHASED THE NEW BMW 328I 2013 IN MAY, 2013. AFTER ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS HAVING THE CAR, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A SPOT AT A LOW SPEED. FOR NO REASONS, THE BRAKE SUDDENLY AND TOTALLY FAILED ON ME. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE THE CAR RUN OVER THE CURB AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLIDED WITH THE CONCRETE BLOCK. I W…

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PURCHASED THE NEW BMW 328I 2013 IN MAY, 2013. AFTER ROUGHLY 3 MONTHS HAVING THE CAR, I WAS IN A PARKING LOT, PULLING INTO A SPOT AT A LOW SPEED. FOR NO REASONS, THE BRAKE SUDDENLY AND TOTALLY FAILED ON ME. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR BEFORE THE CAR RUN OVER THE CURB AND THE FRONT END OF THE CAR COLLIDED WITH THE CONCRETE BLOCK. I WAS LUCK THAT I WAS NOT ON HIGHWAY OR STREET WHEN THIS BRAKE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. I CALLED BMW SOS ASSIST AND REQUESTED TOWING THE CAR TO A LOCAL BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THE BMW SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME TO SEND THE CAR TO THE COLLISION CENTER FOR A REGULAR BODY WORK, BUT I SHOWED THEM ALL THE BRAKE MALFUNCTION INCIDENTS REPORTED ONLINE FOR THE SAME MODEL AND YEAR CAR AND INSISTED THEY CONTACT BMW NA AND CHECK THE ENTIRE BRAKE SYSTEM. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN BMW POSITION NOW FOR TWO WEEKS WAITING FOR BMW NA FIELD ENGINEER. BMW DID NOT PROVIDE A LOANER TO ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543519

1,000 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Service Brakes

I HAVE EXPERIENCES BRAKING PROBLEMS IN MY BMW 328I SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN AUGUST OF 2012. SPECIFICALLY THE CAR WILL LOSE BRAKING PRESSURE AT LOW SPEEDS AS I AM COMING TO A STOP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND MY CAR DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IN DETAIL: I WILL BE COMING TO A STOP, PERHAPS 2…

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I HAVE EXPERIENCES BRAKING PROBLEMS IN MY BMW 328I SINCE I PURCHASED IT IN AUGUST OF 2012. SPECIFICALLY THE CAR WILL LOSE BRAKING PRESSURE AT LOW SPEEDS AS I AM COMING TO A STOP. THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT AND MY CAR DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO REPLICATE AND DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE. IN DETAIL: I WILL BE COMING TO A STOP, PERHAPS 2 OR 3 MPH USING CONSTANT BRAKE PRESSURE TO STOP THE CAR. OCCASIONALLY THERE WILL BE A LOSS OF BRAKE PRESSURE AND THE CAR WILL KEEP MOVING FORWARD SEVERAL FEET UNLESS I APPLY HARD PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDDLE. THIS OCCURS WITH SOME REGULARITY AND HAS NOT CAUSED AND ACCIDENT. I NOW COMPENSATE FOR IT, BUT IT SEEMS TO BE A VERY STRANGE ISSUE TO HAVE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543302

1,700 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Service Brakes

BOUGHT A NEW BMW XI 328 ON APRIL 30. ON JUNE 16, WITH 1700 MILES ON CAR BRAKES FAILED. WHILE SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKES SEEMED TO ENGAGE BUT FAILED TO STOP THE CAR--LIKE THEY WERE WORKING BUT DIDN'T. CAR WENT THROUGH A LIGHT AND I QUICKLY HIT PARK TO STOP IT IN THE INTERSECTION. ONCE NO CARS WERE AROUND I PULLED …

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BOUGHT A NEW BMW XI 328 ON APRIL 30. ON JUNE 16, WITH 1700 MILES ON CAR BRAKES FAILED. WHILE SLOWING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT THE BRAKES SEEMED TO ENGAGE BUT FAILED TO STOP THE CAR--LIKE THEY WERE WORKING BUT DIDN'T. CAR WENT THROUGH A LIGHT AND I QUICKLY HIT PARK TO STOP IT IN THE INTERSECTION. ONCE NO CARS WERE AROUND I PULLED TO THE SIDE AND TESTED THEM. THEY STOPPED ON A FEW TESTS SO THOUGHT IT WAS ME. AND AS I DROVE, SLOWLY, THE BRAKES STOPPED SEVERAL MORE TIMES, AND THEN THEY FAILED AGAIN AND I AVERTED HITTING ANOTHER CAR BY PRESSING PARK BUTTON AGAIN. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO BMW AND THEY DETERMINED IT WAS THE VACUUM PUMP AND OTHER BRAKE ISSUES. NO WARNING LIGHT WENT ON THE DASH TO ALERT ME. THEY SAID THERE WAS A SERVICE ALERT ON THIS ISSUE BY BMW. BMW SAID PARTS NOT AVAILABLE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS AND TWO DAYS LATER OFFERED TO EXCHANGE THE VEHICLE FOR A NEW ONE. BRAKES SEEMED "SPONGY" FROM THE START BUT HAD ALWAYS WORKED UNTIL THEY DIDN'T. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. I TOOK THEM UP ON THEIR OFFER AND NEW (EXCHANGED) CAR BRAKES FEEL OK. I DIDN'T REPORT BECAUSE NHTSA REP TOLD ME NOT NECESSARY BECAUSE BMW WAS DOING THE RIGHT THING. BUT READ IN LA TIMES THAT THIS IS A BIGGER ISSUE AND WANTED TO GO ON RECORD THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM. BMW DID THE RIGHT THING BUT WORRY THAT THIS ISSUE COULD CROP UP WITH OTHERS, AND EVEN IN MY NEW CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543283

11,000 miles · Sep 11, 2013
Service Brakes

I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY, LESS THAN 5MPH, IN A LINE OF CARS WAITING TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. ALL OF A SUDDEN, BRAKE PEDAL BECAME ROCK HARD. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FROM ROLLING. I HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. RESTARTED THE CAR, BRAKES FELT NORMAL. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE. I INFORMED THE SE…

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I WAS MOVING VERY SLOWLY, LESS THAN 5MPH, IN A LINE OF CARS WAITING TO PULL INTO A PARKING LOT. ALL OF A SUDDEN, BRAKE PEDAL BECAME ROCK HARD. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR FROM ROLLING. I HAD TO SHIFT INTO PARK TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. RESTARTED THE CAR, BRAKES FELT NORMAL. THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED SINCE. I INFORMED THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT THE DEALER, BUT THEY SAID THEY CAN'T RE-CREATE THE PROBLEM, THEREFORE THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT. I READ NEWS REPORTS THAT THIS IS BEING INVESTIGATED BY YOUR ORGANIZATION AND DECIDED TO REPORT THE INCIDENT WHICH TOOK PLACE ON 7/15/13. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10543183

1,000 miles · Jul 18, 2013
Engine And Engine CoolingService Brakes

ROUGHLY TWO MONTHS AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF MY NEW BMW 328I, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD AS A ROCK. FORTUNATELY, I AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT BY COASTING OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND INTO A HOTEL PARKING LOT. MY CAR WAS TAKEN BY TOW TRUCK TO A S…

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ROUGHLY TWO MONTHS AFTER TAKING POSSESSION OF MY NEW BMW 328I, I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT WARNING LOST ALL BRAKING ABILITY. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS HARD AS A ROCK. FORTUNATELY, I AVOIDED AN ACCIDENT BY COASTING OFF OF THE FREEWAY AND INTO A HOTEL PARKING LOT. MY CAR WAS TAKEN BY TOW TRUCK TO A SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT BMW, WHERE IT REMAINS TO THIS DAY. MY SERVICE ADVISOR INITIALLY INFORMED ME THAT ONLY THE VACUUM PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. A WEEK LATER, HOWEVER, I AM TOLD THAT THE INTAKE CAMSHAFT MUST ALSO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT IS BADLY DAMAGED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525548

7,200 miles · Jul 15, 2013
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

WHILE SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD YET THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND SEEMED TO GLIDE FOR 10-15 FEET BEFORE FINALLY STOPPING AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE REVVED TO 6000 RPM, BUT DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE PEDAL BECAME SO HARD THAT I COULD NOT PRESS ANY HARDER, YET WAS STILL SLOWLY MOVING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RES…

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WHILE SLOWLY COMING TO A STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME HARD YET THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP AND SEEMED TO GLIDE FOR 10-15 FEET BEFORE FINALLY STOPPING AT WHICH POINT THE ENGINE REVVED TO 6000 RPM, BUT DID NOT ACCELERATE. THE PEDAL BECAME SO HARD THAT I COULD NOT PRESS ANY HARDER, YET WAS STILL SLOWLY MOVING. TURNED THE CAR OFF AND RESTARTED THE CAR AND DROVE TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. ON 7/15/2013 THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED AGAIN AS I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL I COULD FEEL THE CAR CONTINUING TO MOVE FORWARD AND THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD YET STILL DID NOT STOP THE CAR. AS SOON AS THE CAR FINALLY STOPPED THE ENGINE REVVED TO 3500 RPM, AT WHICH TIME I SHUT IT OFF. CAR IS BACK AT THE DEALER AND BMWNA HAS BEEN NOTIFIED OF BOTH EPISODES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10525011

1,020 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Service BrakesCrash

I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 BMW 328I IN LATE MAY. WITHIN A WEEK OF OWNERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS THERE FOR THREE DAYS. THEN LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, LAST WEEK, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. I ALMOST GOT IN A BAD ACCIDENT AND IN FACT DID SCRAPE THE CURB. I WAS TOLD THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS A …

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I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 BMW 328I IN LATE MAY. WITHIN A WEEK OF OWNERSHIP THE BRAKES FAILED. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS THERE FOR THREE DAYS. THEN LESS THAN A MONTH LATER, LAST WEEK, THE BRAKES FAILED AGAIN. I ALMOST GOT IN A BAD ACCIDENT AND IN FACT DID SCRAPE THE CURB. I WAS TOLD THE ORIGINAL PROBLEM WAS A VACUUM PUMP, SIMILAR TO OTHER REPORTS ON THIS SITE RELATED TO THAT MODEL OF CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10521697

Official recalls

5

24V608000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

Aug 13, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V520000 · Exterior Lighting

Aug 17, 2015

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Oct 7, 2014

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

Sep 26, 2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking

Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.