NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
151 reports14,700 miles · Jun 25, 2016
Unknown Or Other
CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY. AFTER ALMOST 3 HOURS OF WAITING FOR BMW TOW SERVICE THE POLICE HAD THE CAR TOWED. WHAT HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE TOW WAS A CAR CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE POLICE CAR THAT WAS BEHIND US. AFTER 4 DAYS IN THE SHOP WE WERE TOLD THE CARS "MAIN COMPUTER HAD A "CATASTROPHIC" FAILURE AND NEEDED…
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CAR WENT COMPLETELY DEAD ON A 6 LANE HIGHWAY. AFTER ALMOST 3 HOURS OF WAITING FOR BMW TOW SERVICE THE POLICE HAD THE CAR TOWED. WHAT HAPPENED PRIOR TO THE TOW WAS A CAR CRASHED INTO THE BACK OF THE POLICE CAR THAT WAS BEHIND US. AFTER 4 DAYS IN THE SHOP WE WERE TOLD THE CARS "MAIN COMPUTER HAD A "CATASTROPHIC" FAILURE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE CALLED AND WRITTEN BMW CORPORATE AS MY WIFE IS SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR AND I WAS HOPING THEY WOULD DISCUSS SOME KIND OF REPLACEMENT OR BUY BACK. THE CAR WAS TOTALLY WITHOUT ANY POWER INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS! THERE APPEARS TO ME TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY FLAW IN THE CARS DESIGN AND WANT YOU TO REVIEW WHAT HAPPENED BEFORE ANOTHER SERIOUS BREAKDOWN OCCURS.
NHTSA ODI #10876590
8,000 miles · Jan 7, 2016
Vehicle Speed Control
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 3281. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 3281. WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. UPDATED 03/04/16*LJ *TR
NHTSA ODI #10818723
15,000 miles · Dec 29, 2015
Engine
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TIME WHEN ONLY 3 TO 4 MONTHS OLD ON A HIGHWAY WITH 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WOULD NOT ENGAGE GEAR, HAD TO COAST WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH FLASHERS ON TO REACH A SAFE LOCATION. WAS REPAIRED AT THE TIME - SUPPOSEDLY COMPUTER CHIP PROBLEM. HAS NOW OCCURRED FOR A SECOND TIME AT 16…
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VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. FIRST TIME WHEN ONLY 3 TO 4 MONTHS OLD ON A HIGHWAY WITH 55 MPH SPEED LIMIT IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, WOULD NOT ENGAGE GEAR, HAD TO COAST WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH FLASHERS ON TO REACH A SAFE LOCATION. WAS REPAIRED AT THE TIME - SUPPOSEDLY COMPUTER CHIP PROBLEM. HAS NOW OCCURRED FOR A SECOND TIME AT 16 MONTHS OLD, ON A LOCAL ROAD WITH 45 MPH SPEED LIMIT, VEHICLE INDICATED A FAILURE AND WOULD NOT RUN AFTER PULLING OVER TO SHOULDER. BOTH INCIDENTS WERE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS IN TRAFFIC. INDICATOR ON VEHICLE STATED ENGINE OR DRIVE TRAIN FAILURE OF SOME SORT.
NHTSA ODI #10816915
17,000 miles · Dec 9, 2015
Unknown Or Other
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY SON IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A REALLY LOUD EXPLOSION. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED, IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD GUNSHOT. I HEARD PARTICLES FALLING ON MY CAR, BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE. I GOT OFF OF THE FREEWAY JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WASN'T MY CAR. SURE …
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY WITH MY SON IN THE BACK SEAT WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN I HEARD A REALLY LOUD EXPLOSION. I HAD NO IDEA WHAT HAD HAPPENED, IT ALMOST SOUNDED LIKE A LOUD GUNSHOT. I HEARD PARTICLES FALLING ON MY CAR, BUT I DID NOT KNOW WHAT THEY WERE. I GOT OFF OF THE FREEWAY JUST TO MAKE SURE THAT IT WASN'T MY CAR. SURE ENOUGH, WHEN I GOT OUT, I SAW A BASKETBALL SIZE HOLE IN MY MOON ROOF. I KNEW THAT NOTHING HAD HIT THE MOON ROOF BECAUSE I HAD NOT GONE UNDER AN OVERPASS NOR I HAD I SEEN ANYTHING COMING AT ME THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THIS DAMAGE. I WENT HOME AND CHECKED ON THE INTERNET AND SAW DAMAGE TO ANOTHER BMW THAT LOOKED ALMOST IDENTICAL TO MINE. THE DRIVER OF THAT VEHICLE EXPLAINED THE SAME EXPERIENCE THAT I DID, THAT HE HAD HEARD A LOUD BOOM OR POP AND THERE APPEARED A HUGE HOLE IN HIS MOONROOF. THIS EXPLODING MOONROOF PHENOMENA IS NOT JUST A BMW PROBLEM APPARENTLY. I SAW VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES THAT HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS. MY SON AND I WERE LUCKY. ALL WE EXPERIENCE WAS A HUGE SCARE AND SOME FALLING GLASS, BUT HAVE THERE BEEN MORE TRAFFIC ON THAT FREEWAY, WE MIGHT NOT HAVE MADE IT. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM WITH THE AUTO GLASS THAT IS BEING INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES AND IS A HUGE ROAD HAZARD. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS HAVE KNOWN ABOUT THIS FOR QUITE SOME TIME, AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE ABOUT IT . UNFORTUNATELY, LIVES MAY BE LOST AS A RESULT . SOMETHING DEFINITELY NEEDS TO BE DONE.
NHTSA ODI #10809308
26,000 miles · Nov 3, 2015
Electrical SystemSeat BeltsCrash
MY 2014 BMW 328I WAS REAR-ENDED ON A FREEWAY RAMP DURING RUSH HOUR (AROUND 5PM OCT. 30, 2015). THE TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. MY CAR WAS STILL WHEN THE CAR BEHIND HIT. THE IMPACT TO MY REAR BUMPER CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO LOCK DOWN. THE SEAT BELT HELD ME VERY TIGHT (ALMOST STRANGLED) ME AND WOULD NOT EJECT NOR RELEASE. AFTER MORE T…
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MY 2014 BMW 328I WAS REAR-ENDED ON A FREEWAY RAMP DURING RUSH HOUR (AROUND 5PM OCT. 30, 2015). THE TRAFFIC WAS STOP AND GO. MY CAR WAS STILL WHEN THE CAR BEHIND HIT. THE IMPACT TO MY REAR BUMPER CAUSED THE SEAT BELT TO LOCK DOWN. THE SEAT BELT HELD ME VERY TIGHT (ALMOST STRANGLED) ME AND WOULD NOT EJECT NOR RELEASE. AFTER MORE THAN 5 MINS, I WAS ABLE TO PULLED IT OUT WHILE HOLDING THE EJECT BUTTON. ON TOP OF THE SEAT BELT LOCK-DOWN, MY CAR WOULD NOT RE-START. THE SYSTEM GAVE A "CHASSIS STABILITY" WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESPOND TO SHIFTING GEAR OR ANY OPERATIONS. I COULD NOT MOVE THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER. THE CAR EVENTUALLY WAS TOWED OFF THE FREEWAY RAMP. FORTUNATELY, ALL VEHICLES WERE MOVING SLOW DUE TO THE RUSH HOUR. OTHERWISE, EITHER OF THE SITUATION (LOCKED DOWN SEAT BELT OR THE STALLED VEHICLE WITH A BUMPER IMPACT) WOULD HAVE KILLED ME ON THE FREE WAY.
NHTSA ODI #10788147
31,704 miles · Oct 1, 2015
Service Brakes
I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 BMW 328I XDRIVE, SLOWING FROM ~30MPH INTO AN INTERSECTION FOR A LEFT HAND TURN IN A RESIDENTIAL/SHOPPING AREA. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW. I THEN SMASHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, STILL THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW. I CONTINUED HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR SHOO…
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I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 BMW 328I XDRIVE, SLOWING FROM ~30MPH INTO AN INTERSECTION FOR A LEFT HAND TURN IN A RESIDENTIAL/SHOPPING AREA. UPON APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL MOVED BUT THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW. I THEN SMASHED THE BRAKE PEDAL TO THE FLOOR, STILL THE CAR DIDN'T SLOW. I CONTINUED HOLDING THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE CAR SHOOK VIOLENTLY FINALLY STARTED SLOWING. ONCE SLOW ENOUGH TO MAKE THE TURN, I COASTED THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER. GOING THROUGH THE TURN AND THE INTERSECTION, I WAS BEHIND A DUMP TRUCK. THE ISSUE BROUGHT ME WITHIN INCHES OF SLAMMING INTO THE BACK OF THE TRUCK, BUT LUCKILY THE TRUCK TURNED IN TIME FOR ME NOT TO HIT IT. ONCE MY CAR WAS STOPPED ON THE SHOULDER, I CALLED THE BMW DEALERSHIP THAT I HAD JUST LEFT AND WAS ADVISED TO HIT THE SOS BUTTON AND HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO THEM. THE SERVICE ADVISOR (SA) RAN DIAGNOSTICS & TOOK THE CAR ON SEVERAL TEST DRIVES. HE SAID THAT NOTHING PINGED ON THE DIAGNOSTICS READING AND HE COULDN'T REPLICATE THE PROBLEM, SO MY CAR WOULD BE RETURNED TO ME. I CONTINUED RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM AND FOUND AN ARTICLE WHICH DESCRIBES THE SYMPTOMS THAT MY CAR HAD: HTTP://WWW.AUTOBLOG.COM/2013/09/28/BMW-3-SERIES-5-SERIES-X1-X3-Z4-BRAKE-RECALL/ AND SENT IT TO MY SA TO LOOK INTO. THE SA TOLD ME THAT MY ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED TO ME FIT THE DESCRIPTION OF RECALL, BUT SINCE MY CAR WAS BUILT IN 09/13 IT WAS 1 MONTH OUTSIDE OF THE RECALL RANGE, AND NO PREVENTATIVE WORK COULD BE DONE UNTIL A RECALL IS ISSUED. MY CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME WITHIN 1 DAY OF THE INCIDENT. WHEN INSPECTING MY PRINTED BMW SERVICE DOCUMENT, THE CUSTOMER SERVICE COMPLAINT IS IMPROPERLY LISTED AS 'THE CAR WAS VIBRATING BRAKING AND WOULD NOT START' (START NOT STOP). BMW ASSURED ME THAT THE PROPER PROBLEM WITH STOPPING WAS RECORDED IN THE COMMENTS SECTION OF THEIR DATABASE, BUT THAT THEY COULD NOT GO IN AND ALTER THE ISSUE DESCRIPTION.
NHTSA ODI #10778977
10,615 miles · Sep 11, 2015
EnginePower Train
DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN ENGINE GIVES OUT AND CAR GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 76 MPH AND SUDDENLY IT GOES TO 60 MPH, I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE POWER. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DRIVE BUT DOES NOT GO OVER 60 MPH, SHUDDERS AND SHAKES THE ACCE…
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DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN ENGINE GIVES OUT AND CAR GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 76 MPH AND SUDDENLY IT GOES TO 60 MPH, I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE POWER. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DRIVE BUT DOES NOT GO OVER 60 MPH, SHUDDERS AND SHAKES THE ACCELERATION IS VERY MILD TO PUT IT LIGHTLY. POSES A MAJOR SAFETY RISK. THIS IS 3RD THAT THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED UNDER BMW 328I (2012 - ONWARDS) FORUMS HTTP://F30.BIMMERPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=776020 DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING.
NHTSA ODI #10763174
Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2015
Engine
I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE STREETS, WHILE IT WAS HEAVILY RAINING. WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING (NOTE: THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME, IN FRONT OF ME, AND RIGHT NEXT TO ME). WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND STEPPING ON MY BRAKES, THE MOMENT I LET GO OF THE BRAKES TO MOVE FORWARD BY STEPPING ON THE GAS, IT…
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I WAS DRIVING ALONG THE STREETS, WHILE IT WAS HEAVILY RAINING. WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED WORKING (NOTE: THERE WERE CARS BEHIND ME, IN FRONT OF ME, AND RIGHT NEXT TO ME). WHILE I WAS STUCK IN TRAFFIC AND STEPPING ON MY BRAKES, THE MOMENT I LET GO OF THE BRAKES TO MOVE FORWARD BY STEPPING ON THE GAS, IT WOULDN'T MOVE. THEN I TRIED STEPPING ON THE BRAKES AND THE BRAKES STOPPED WORKING TOO, SO I HAD TO PUT MY CAR ON PARK BECAUSE I WAS AFRAID IT WOULD START ROLLING BY ITSELF WITHOUT MY CONTROL. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT IT BACK IN DRIVE, IT WOULDN'T LET ME. THE SIGNAL STILL SAID P FOR PARK, AND IT WOULDN'T WORK IN REVERSE MODE NOR NEUTRAL MODE EITHER. THEN I TRIED TURNING OFF MY VEHICLE AND TRIED RE-STARTING IT. WHEN I TRIED TO RE-START MY VEHICLE, THE WHOLE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN, AND WOULDN'T START UP ANYMORE. ALL THE OTHER CARS AROUND ME WERE ABLE TO DRIVE JUST FINE, AND EVEN HAD TO DRIVE PAST ME BECAUSE MY CAR STOPPED WORKING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET DURING THE RAIN. THE FIREMEN AND POLICEMEN ENDED UP COMING TO TRY TO RE-START MY ENGINE, BUT IT DIDN'T WORK, SO THEY ENDED UP HAVING TO TOW MY CAR AWAY TO AVOID TRAFFIC (SO ALL THE OTHER CARS CAN DRIVE THROUGH WITHOUT GOING AROUND ME). BMW SAID MY CAR STOPPED DUE TO WATER DAMAGE, SPECIFICALLY DAMAGING THE ENGINE, COSTING ROUGHLY AROUND $18,000. HOWEVER, ALL THE OTHER CARS AROUND ME DROVE IN THE SAME LANE, SAME SPOT, AND SAME TIME IN THIS HEAVY RAIN JUST FINE. I DON'T KNOW WHY MY VEHICLE WAS THE ONLY ONE THAT WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED BY "WATER" WHEN ALL THE OTHER CARS AROUND ME WERE JUST FINE. I BELIEVE THERE'S SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE CAR ITSELF, FOR THE CAR SHOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE HEAVY RAIN LIKE ALL THE OTHER CARS THAT WERE DRIVING JUST FINE AROUND ME. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10724660
10,000 miles · May 7, 2015
Electrical SystemFuel System, Gasoline
VEHICLE STALLED IN DRIVEWAY OF GAS STATION, JUST BEFORE I WAS ABOUT TO TURN ONTO STREET. ENGINE WOULD CRANK WHEN START BUTTON WAS PRESSED, BUT CAR WOULDN'T START. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10715207
4,020 miles · Mar 9, 2015
Service BrakesCrash
I WAS DRIVING ON THE LOCAL HIGHWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO STOP ON RED LIGHT, THE CAR STOPPED FIRST AND THEN UNEXPECTELY JUMPPED UP, SLIDING FORWARD AND HIT THE FRONT VEHICLE WHILE BRAKE PEDAL WAS FULLY PRESSED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10692999
Official recalls
8Dec 17, 2025
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Jul 11, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Apr 24, 2024
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.
Mar 31, 2015
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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: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.
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.
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
2EA21002 · 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.
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