NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
11 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Dec 30, 2022
Engine
I have an F30 body style bmw with the N55 engine. After purchasing the car I noticed a very rough idle for a few moments when warming up the car. The idle would be so rough that when in gear to reverse out of my driveway, it would jerk the car further than it should be meant to go. A slight tap of the throttle and the jerking wo…
Read full complaint
I have an F30 body style bmw with the N55 engine. After purchasing the car I noticed a very rough idle for a few moments when warming up the car. The idle would be so rough that when in gear to reverse out of my driveway, it would jerk the car further than it should be meant to go. A slight tap of the throttle and the jerking would propel the car forward resulting in a dangerous situation. I almost collided with a couple of cars so far and I have kids in the car. Upon much research and performing car diagnostics, it was found that the cars valvetronic system which controls the idle for fuel efficiency is defective. After looking into this further and joining a few online forum groups with the same vehicle, it has been known that this is a vastly common issue with this vehicle. Thousands of owners had come up with top issues with this engine and this issue is at the top of the list. I do think that bmw should be responsible for this system as it fails very early on. I only have 58,000 miles on my vehicle and thousands of others reported the same issue and low mileage. This system needs to be looked at for safety precautions.
NHTSA ODI #11499600
Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2021
Electrical SystemEngineVehicle Speed Control
Loss of power/won't Rev over 2500rpms No fault codes displayed on dash Radiator fan goes to max and cuts off consistently every 30sec-45sec Very dangerous situation when pulling out in front of traffic. I've only owned this car for 3 months! I need to get this fixed asap. Also, this problem occurs at random times in all differen…
Read full complaint
Loss of power/won't Rev over 2500rpms No fault codes displayed on dash Radiator fan goes to max and cuts off consistently every 30sec-45sec Very dangerous situation when pulling out in front of traffic. I've only owned this car for 3 months! I need to get this fixed asap. Also, this problem occurs at random times in all different conditions. It will also "reset" after turning car off and restarting. It has happened to me 7 - 8 times in 3 months!
NHTSA ODI #11439216
84,500 miles · Dec 4, 2020
Engine
CHARGE INTAKE PIPE FAILED AND EXPERIENCED SEVERE POWER LOSS DURING ACCELERATION ONTO THE INTERSTATE. NO WARNINGS OR CAUTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE POWER LOSS. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO MY SERVICE DEALER (VALENCIA BMW IN VALENCIA, CA). UPON ARRIVAL, I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE CHARGE INTAKE WAS TORN AWAY FROM T…
Read full complaint
CHARGE INTAKE PIPE FAILED AND EXPERIENCED SEVERE POWER LOSS DURING ACCELERATION ONTO THE INTERSTATE. NO WARNINGS OR CAUTION LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE POWER LOSS. I CONTINUED DRIVING TO MY SERVICE DEALER (VALENCIA BMW IN VALENCIA, CA). UPON ARRIVAL, I OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE CHARGE INTAKE WAS TORN AWAY FROM THE HOUSING. UPON FURTHER REVIEW, THE DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT THE PART FAILED AND NEEDED BE REPLACED. I HAD THE SERVICE CENTER REPLACE THE PART IN FULL ACCORDANCE WITH BMW FACTORY RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROCEDURES. THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE IS NOT MODIFIED IN ANY WAY.
NHTSA ODI #11377890
115,000 miles · Dec 1, 2020
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
I LOVED MY BMW UNTIL I REALIZED IT HAS A FAULTY ENGINE. I NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT ONCE WHEN I WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. I TURNED OFF WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. MY CAR WAS UP TO DATE ON ALL OIL CHANGES ETC, I TAKE IT TO BMW SPECIALIST ONLY. I NOTICED A LIGHT TICK SOUND AND REPORTED IT TO BMW AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE.…
Read full complaint
I LOVED MY BMW UNTIL I REALIZED IT HAS A FAULTY ENGINE. I NOTICED THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT ONCE WHEN I WENT THROUGH A CAR WASH. I TURNED OFF WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR. MY CAR WAS UP TO DATE ON ALL OIL CHANGES ETC, I TAKE IT TO BMW SPECIALIST ONLY. I NOTICED A LIGHT TICK SOUND AND REPORTED IT TO BMW AT MY LAST OIL CHANGE. THEY DISREGARDED IT AND SAID THEY DID NOTICE OIL ON THE GASKET. NO CHANGES REQUESTED AT THAT TIME. MY CAR NEVER SHOWED SIGNS OF LEAKING OIL AND THE OIL PRESSURE AT TIMES SHOWED TO BE LOW BUT WOULD ALWAYS RETURN TO NORMAL. I WAS TOLD IT WAS BECAUSE THE HYBRIDS WORK DIFFERENTLY. ON MY WAY HOME ON THE FRONTAGE ROAD OF I35 MY CAR JUST SHUT DOWN AND NEVER RESTARTED. I WAS ABLE TO GUIDE IT INTO A PARKING LOT AND THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED TURNING AND THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT TURNED ON. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND THEY BASICALLY SAID THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. A NEW ENGINE COST $18000 AND A USED IS AROUND 13000. THAT DOES NOT INCLUDE LABOR!!! I HAD TO THEN HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME TO JUST PARK IT. THIS IS THE ONLY CAR I HAVE, I OWE THOUSANDS ON IT AND THE ENGINE COMPLETELY BROKE! AS I'M DOING RESEARCH I SEE MULTIPLE COMPLAINTS WITH THE SAME ISSUES AND SAME RESULT, COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED! FROM WHAT I GATHER IT IS RELATED TO THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHT SENDING A SIGNAL TO THE ENGINE & STOPPING OIL FROM REACHING THE TOP OF THE MOTOR, LEADING TO VANOS COMPLICATIONS AND LEADING TO METAL IN THE ENGINE LEADING TO A COMPLETE DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE. CHEAP ISSUE LEADING TO FAILURE OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE. I'VE ALSO GATHERED THERE IS A FAULT WITH THE START/STOP THAT CAUSES THIS ISSUE. I AM LEFT WITH NO CAR, I'M A FULL TIME NURSE AND NOW IN DEBT WITH NO WORKING CAR! THIS COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD A RECALL BEEN DONE A FEW YEARS AGO WITH ALL THE INITIAL COMPLAINTS!! SEVERAL FORUMS INCLUDING ON THIS SITE!!
NHTSA ODI #11377344
Mileage unknown · Jan 24, 2020
Air BagsEngine
MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I TOOK MY BMW TO ONE OF PORTLANDS DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY CAR SERVICES. FIRST TWO DAYS WERE FINE, THEN AFTER THAT MY PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAG LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON MY WARNING NOTIFICATIONS TAB. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO COME BACK. AFTER I WAS DONE WITH THEM THEY CH…
Read full complaint
MY NAME IS [XXX], AND I TOOK MY BMW TO ONE OF PORTLANDS DEALERSHIPS TO GET MY CAR SERVICES. FIRST TWO DAYS WERE FINE, THEN AFTER THAT MY PASSENGER AND DRIVER AIR BAG LIGHTS WERE CONSTANTLY FLASHING ON MY WARNING NOTIFICATIONS TAB. I REACHED OUT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANTED ME TO COME BACK. AFTER I WAS DONE WITH THEM THEY CHARGED ME OVER $700 FOR INSPECTING THE ISSUES AND PROBLEMS REPORTED, THEN QUOTED ME OVER $4,000 WORTH OF AIR BAG REPLACEMENTS. THE DEALERSHIP CLEARED THE CODES BEFORE I LEFT AND DECLINED THEIR OFFER. I SAW ON KELLY BLUE BOOK THAT THERE WERE RECALLS ON THIS MODEL. AT THIS TIME I'M HESITANT TO TRUST THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE LAST TIME I WAS THERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE, WORTH OVER $26,000. THE CAR IS ALMOST AT 70,000 MILES AND I FIND THAT VERY HARD TO BELIEVE.I ALMOST ASKED THE TECHNICIAN IF HE WOULD BE WILLING TO TAKE A LIE DETECTOR TEST ON MY EXPENSE. I UNDERSTAND THAT DEALERSHIPS TYPICALLY MAKE MORE MONEY IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT THAN SELLING NEW AND USED CARS. I WAS TOLD BY THEM THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON MY CAR, BUT I DO WANT TO MAKE A REPORT. NOT FEELING COMFORTABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR, I HAVE BEEN STORING IT IN THE GARAGE AND ONLY USING IT VERY LIGHTLY. MY ENGINE ISSUES STARTED WITH A SMALL TICKING SOUND. THE DEALERSHIP OF PORTLAND WANTED ME TO REPLACE TENSIONERS AND THE TIMING BELT, BUT THE SOUND WAS COMING FROM THE FUEL INJECTORS, AFTER THAT THEY WANTED ME TO REPLACE MY WHOLE ENGINE.I HAVE BEEN MISLED BY THEM MULTIPLE TIMES. WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR, MY LUCK WASN'T SO GREAT, AFTER TWO WEEKS OF PURCHASING IT A SMALL ROCK ON THE PENETRATED MY WINDOW WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. I GOT INSURE TO COVER IT BUT THEY NEEDED A QUOTE FROM THE DEALERSHIP. I GOT 3 DIFFERENT QUOTES, ALL HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS APART FROM $800-+$1,000. THE REASON WHY I AM MAKING THIS REPORT IS REGARDING MY SAFETY AND CONCERNS FOR THESE AIRBAGS, WANTING TO BE ASSURED SAFETY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11301637
68,000 miles · Nov 5, 2019
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CHARGE PIPE SEPARATED FROM THE WELDING AREA LOCATED BY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND CHARGE PIPE PARTICLES PENETRATED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT D…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE CHARGE PIPE SEPARATED FROM THE WELDING AREA LOCATED BY THE INTAKE MANIFOLD, AND CHARGE PIPE PARTICLES PENETRATED THE THROTTLE BODY. THE CONTACT AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
NHTSA ODI #11278331
27,539 miles · Nov 16, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK, AROUND 5:30 IN THE MORNING, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE SCREEN.., WHILE ON SPORT MODE SELECTED I NOTICED THAT MY RPM WAS CLOSE TO 3K DOING 65 MPH., THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MILES PER HOUR AND HAD NO POWER.., I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE SHOULDER AND TRIED SEVERAL TIME…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING TO WORK, AROUND 5:30 IN THE MORNING, THE POWER TRAIN WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THE SCREEN.., WHILE ON SPORT MODE SELECTED I NOTICED THAT MY RPM WAS CLOSE TO 3K DOING 65 MPH., THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN TO 45 MILES PER HOUR AND HAD NO POWER.., I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER THE SHOULDER AND TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO RE-START THE CAR TO NO AVAIL., I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP, AND THEY DIAGNOSED IT AS A BAD HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP. THEY REPLACED THE PUMP THE SAME DAY, TEST DROVE IT AND EVERYTHING IS BACK TO NORMAL. THE REPAIR WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY, I SENT THE TOWING EXPENSES TO THE BMW ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE FOR REIMBURSEMENT., SAID IT WILL TAKE A FEW WEEKS TO GET IT IN THE MAIL..
NHTSA ODI #10926503
7,000 miles · Feb 14, 2016
EngineVehicle Speed ControlCrash
WHILE PARKING CAR IN USUAL PARKING LOT AT WORK, 8:30 AM, TURNING WHEELS TO LEFT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER PARKING BUMPER, THROUGH CONCRETE BLOCK WALL AND CONTINUED TO RAM INTO PRIVATE HOME, MAKING HOME UNSAFE TO ENTER. ALL THIS CAUSED $14000.00, NOW, UPDATED TO $19000.00 …
Read full complaint
WHILE PARKING CAR IN USUAL PARKING LOT AT WORK, 8:30 AM, TURNING WHEELS TO LEFT, CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON IT'S OWN WITHOUT ANY WARNING, CAUSING CAR TO JUMP OVER PARKING BUMPER, THROUGH CONCRETE BLOCK WALL AND CONTINUED TO RAM INTO PRIVATE HOME, MAKING HOME UNSAFE TO ENTER. ALL THIS CAUSED $14000.00, NOW, UPDATED TO $19000.00 DAMAGE TO THE CAR, NOT INCLUDING THE COST OF DAMAGE TO THE WALL AND BUILDING. BMW DEALERSHIP WILL NOT LOOK INTO THE ACCELERATOR CABLES ETC...SAYS IT IS NOT AN ISSUE WITH THIS INCIDENT. THIS SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FURTHER AS SAFETY OF OCCUPANTS / PEDESTRIANS AND OTHER VEHICLES COULD BE IN JEOPARDY! P.S. WE HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR YET SINCE IT HAS BEEN AT THE BMW BODY SHOP SINCE DECEMBER 8 2015. CAR IS SECOND OWNED BY US. WE BOUGHT CAR AT 6K MILES AND NOW HAS 10K MILES. MY WIFE IS SCARED OF GETTING BEHIND THE WHEEL AND DRIVING THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10826092
13,050 miles · Apr 21, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY WITH NORMAL SPEED LIMIT. VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER AND SPEED DECREASING QUICKLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I DID HAVE A CHANCE TO PULL OVER SAFELY ON THE SHOULDER. WIFE AND CHILDREN WAS SCARED AND SO WAS I. HAD THE VEH…
Read full complaint
DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY WITH NORMAL SPEED LIMIT. VEHICLE STARTED TO SPUTTER AND DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. VEHICLE WAS LOSING POWER AND SPEED DECREASING QUICKLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. I DID HAVE A CHANCE TO PULL OVER SAFELY ON THE SHOULDER. WIFE AND CHILDREN WAS SCARED AND SO WAS I. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERS/SERVICE STATION. DIAGNOSTICS SO FAR WAS BAD FUEL. ONLINE FORUM SUGGESTED OTHERWISE. ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10584049
5,000 miles · Feb 21, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolinePower Train
"LIMP MODE" IS A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AFFECTING 2012-2014 BMW 335I MODELS WITH THE M SPORT PACKAGE. AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP TO 60-65 MPH, AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, I EXPERIENCED LIMP MODE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THE RPMS WOULD NOT RISE ABOVE 2500 OR FALL BELOW 2000. THE OIL TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200 DEGREE…
Read full complaint
"LIMP MODE" IS A VERY WELL KNOWN ISSUE AFFECTING 2012-2014 BMW 335I MODELS WITH THE M SPORT PACKAGE. AFTER ACCELERATING FROM A STOP TO 60-65 MPH, AND MERGING INTO TRAFFIC, I EXPERIENCED LIMP MODE. THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, THE RPMS WOULD NOT RISE ABOVE 2500 OR FALL BELOW 2000. THE OIL TEMPERATURE WAS APPROXIMATELY 200 DEGREES. DURING THE SUDDEN LOSS OF ACCELERATION AND POWER, NO MATTER HOW HARD OR FAR I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE- THE CAR COMPLETELY LOST ALL POWER AND THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE. AS I WAS COASTING, I TRIED PUMPING THE GAS AND SHIFTING GEARS (SHIFTABLE AUTOMATIC) TO NO AVAIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD OR OTHER WARNING MESSAGES DISPLAYED. WHILE TRAFFIC ZOOMED PAST ME, I COASTED FOR A GOOD 30-60 SECONDS GRADUALLY SLOWING TO ABOUT 15 MPH. AFTER ROUGHLY 60 SECONDS, I PUSHED THE ACCELERATOR DOWN AGAIN AND THE CAR BUCKED, LURCHED AND JUMPED AND THE RPMS BEGAN TO RISE. I WAS ABLE TO ACCELERATE NORMALLY AGAIN THOUGH THE TEMPERATURE DID RISE TO ROUGHLY 240. I MADE AN APPOINTMENT IMMEDIATELY TO HAVE THE CAR CHECKED BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALER. THEY REPLACED THE AUX COOLING FAN AND APPLIED A SOFTWARE UPDATE AS IS THE CASE WITH "LIMP MODE". THIS IS THE SAME "FIX" APPLIED TO COUNTLESS OTHER 335I OWNERS WHICH SIMPLY DOESN'T WORK. MY DEALER OPENED A PUMA CASE WITH BMW TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE. STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE IS TO REPLACE THE FAN AND APPLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE THE FIRST TIME, REPLACE THE FAN RELAY THE SECOND TIME AND APPLY A SOFTWARE UPDATE THE THIRD TIME. NONE OF THESE WORK!! CHECK F30 POST, BIMMER WORLD AND BIMMER FEST FORUMS. DEALER WAS GREAT, BUT I WANTED THEM I WILL FIGHT FOR A BUYBACK IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN. HAD THIS HAPPENED A FEW SECONDS LATER, WHILE PULLING OUT IN FRONT OF CARS TRAVELING 65+ MPH, I WOULD NOT BE HERE NOW. RECALL THIS PIECE OF CRAP!! WHEN MY LEASE IS UP OR IF I CAN GET OUT OF IT, I WILL. NOT SAFE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10565341
Official recalls
2Jan 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.
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.
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
2DP22005 · Pedestrian Alert Sounds
Opened Jan 27, 2023 · Closed Aug 7, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.
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.