NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Service Brakes complaints
7 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Feb 21, 2025
Forward Collision AvoidanceFuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesCrashInjury
I was entering the freeway as I was merging from the on-ramp onto the freeway after it had rained that day the car began to spun out of control as I was trying to regain the vehicle it'slammed into the side rail bouncing off of it and then I stepped on the brakes but the car proceeded to go forward hit the rail again which caus…
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I was entering the freeway as I was merging from the on-ramp onto the freeway after it had rained that day the car began to spun out of control as I was trying to regain the vehicle it'slammed into the side rail bouncing off of it and then I stepped on the brakes but the car proceeded to go forward hit the rail again which caused the damage to the front bumper, hood, fenders, lighting system, and some frame work.
NHTSA ODI #11644048
57,800 miles · Oct 5, 2019
Service Brakes
EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE HOLDER CAME APART AND CLIPS BROKE CAUSING CABLE TO BOUNCE AROUND NEAR TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT. THE CABLE, HOLDER AND/OR CLIPS MADE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT HIGH RPM AND TORQUE WHILE DRIVING IN LOWER GEARS. NOT RELATED TO ANY COLLISION OR UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. NOISE F…
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EMERGENCY BRAKE CABLE HOLDER CAME APART AND CLIPS BROKE CAUSING CABLE TO BOUNCE AROUND NEAR TRANSMISSION AND DRIVE SHAFT. THE CABLE, HOLDER AND/OR CLIPS MADE A GRINDING SOUND WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED AT HIGH RPM AND TORQUE WHILE DRIVING IN LOWER GEARS. NOT RELATED TO ANY COLLISION OR UNUSUAL OPERATING CONDITIONS. NOISE FIRST BEGAN AUGUST 2019. REPAIR ON 4 OCT 2019 IDENTIFIED THE CAUSE OF THE NOISE.
NHTSA ODI #11266476
52,000 miles · Jul 29, 2019
Service BrakesCrash
I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY MY CAR SURGED FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY PUSHED MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE HARDER. NOTHING HAPPENED. MY CAR CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD, HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WE GOT OUT OF O…
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I WAS STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT BEHIND ANOTHER VEHICLE WITH MY FOOT APPLIED TO THE BRAKE. SUDDENLY MY CAR SURGED FORWARD. I IMMEDIATELY PUSHED MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE HARDER. NOTHING HAPPENED. MY CAR CONTINUED TO SURGE FORWARD, HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AND PUT THE CAR IN PARK. WE GOT OUT OF OUR VEHICLES. FORTUNATELY HER CAR ONLY RECEIVED MINOR SCRATCHES ON HER SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT (IT'S ATTACHED TO THE BACK OF THE VEHICLE) BUT MY CAR RECEIVED THE DAMAGE AS THE HOOD WENT UNDER THE SPARE TIRE COMPARTMENT. I THEN NERVOUSLY/CAUTIOUSLY DROVE MY CAR TO SOUTH BAY BMW TO HAVE THEM DIAGNOSE WHAT HAPPEDED. TWO DAYS LATER I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM THEM STATING THAT NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THEY TOLD ME THAT I COULD LEAVE THE CAR THERE AND THEY CAN BEGIN AN INVESTIGATION WITH BMW BUT I WOULD HAVE TO LEAVE MY CAR THERE AND IT MAY TAKE A COUPLE OF MONTHS. I LEFT MY CAR THERE AND EMAILED BMW IMMEDIATELY. I CALLED BUT THEY WERE ALREADY CLOSED. I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THEM THIS MORNING, 7/29, STATING THAT I WOULD BE CONTACTED IN THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS BY SOMEONE FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE. I THEN CALLED THE RECALL DEPARTMENT AND SPOKE WITH A GENTLEMAN WHO SAID MY VIN WASN'T SHOWING A RECALL. I EXPLAINED TO HIM THAT MAY BE THE CASE BUT MY VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL IS LISTED AS THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. HE INFORMED ME THAT HE SAW THAT I HAVE CONTACTED BMW AND THAT I HAVE TO WAIT TO HEAR BACK FROM THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE. I THEN WENT ONTO YOUR WEBSITE AND SAW COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME EXACT THING HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE. I WILL FOLLOW UP AS SOON AS I HEAR BACK FROM BMW. HOPEFULLY THIS IS SOMETHING THEY WILL BE ABLE TO FIX INCLUDING THE DAMAGES TO MY CAR AS I DON'T FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR TO FIX AS IT WAS A VEHICLE MALFUNCTION NOT HUMAN ERROR. THIS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND I'M NOT ALONE!
NHTSA ODI #11240359
5,200 miles · Aug 26, 2016
Service BrakesCrash
ON JUNE 19TH 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 BMW428I WITH 5200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AS I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT SIGNAL I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES SLOWING TO 5-10 MPH.INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE BECAME ENERGIZED AND BEGAN SURGING FORWARD. I APPLIED AS MUCH PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT TO NO AVAIL AS THE…
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ON JUNE 19TH 2016 I WAS DRIVING MY 2014 BMW428I WITH 5200 MILES ON THE ODOMETER. AS I APPROACHED A RED LIGHT SIGNAL I BEGAN TO APPLY THE BRAKES SLOWING TO 5-10 MPH.INSTEAD OF COMING TO A STOP THE VEHICLE BECAME ENERGIZED AND BEGAN SURGING FORWARD. I APPLIED AS MUCH PRESSURE AS POSSIBLE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT TO NO AVAIL AS THE VEHICLE CONTINUED ITS SURGE FORWARD UNTIL IT STRUCK THE STOPPED VEHICLE AHEAD OF ME. LUCKILY NO DAMAGES, NO INJURIES ON MONDAY JUNE 20TH I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD "CHECK IT OUT". LATER THAT DAY THEY CALLED AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. A FEW MINUTES LATER I RECEIVED A CALL FROM BMWNA ASKING ME FOR THE DETAILS OF THIS INCIDENT. THEY STATED THAT MY VEHICLE WAS TO REMAIN AT THE DEALERSHIP UNTIL A SPECIALIST COULD RUN MORE TESTS ON THE VEHICLE.HIS TEST RESULTS WOULD BE SENT TO BMWNA TO BE EVALUATED BY THE ENGINEERING GROUP. AS THE DAYS AND WEEKS WENT BY I SENT SEVERAL E-MAILS TO MY CASE WORKER AT BMWNA ASKING ABOUT THE STATUS OF MY IDLED VEHICLE STILL SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP. SOME OF MY E-MAILS WERE IGNORED. FINALLY ON AUGUST 22ND 2016, TWO MONTHS LATER, BMWNA INFORMED ME BY E-MAIL THAT THE TEST RESULTS SHOWED NO DEFECTS AND NO MALFUNCTIONS HAD EVER OCCURRED. I HAVE SINCE LEARNED THAT MANY BMW MODELS EXPERIENCE BRAKE FAILURES. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT BMW IS AWARE OF AS IT GOES BACK A NUMBER OF YEARS. HOWEVER THEY CHOOSE TO BE IN DENIAL PUTTING DRIVERS AND OTHERS AT RISK.
NHTSA ODI #10898745
10 miles · Apr 27, 2015
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesCrash
CAR SURGING AND CAUSED ACCIDENT, VERY DANGEROUS. ACCORDING TO DOT RECALL NOTICE, CAR MAY HAVE BAD FUEL PUMP THAT CAUSED IRREGULAR AND UNSAFE ACCELERATION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10713220
250 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Service BrakesCrash
DRIVING DOWN A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD WITH MY WIFE AS A PASSENGER ON JULY 12 AND GOING AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, I NOTICED THAT MY TWO-WEEKS OLD BRAND NEW BMW WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN ALTHOUGH I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO STOP IT BY USING THE FOOT PEDAL TO BRAKE. THE CLOSER I GOT TO THE…
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DRIVING DOWN A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD WITH MY WIFE AS A PASSENGER ON JULY 12 AND GOING AT ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR APPROACHING THE TRAFFIC LIGHT AT A BUSY INTERSECTION, I NOTICED THAT MY TWO-WEEKS OLD BRAND NEW BMW WAS NOT SLOWING DOWN ALTHOUGH I MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO STOP IT BY USING THE FOOT PEDAL TO BRAKE. THE CLOSER I GOT TO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, I CONTINUED TO ATTEMPT TO STOP THE CAR BUT IT FAILED AND I ENDED UP HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. FORTUNATELY, THE PERSON IN THE CAR THAT I HIT WAS NOT INJURED AND NEITHER WERE WE. I IMMEDIATELY NOTIFIED THE BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY ENDED UP PICKING UP THE CAR ON JULY 14. TWO DAYS LATER THEY CALLED ME BACK TO LET ME KNOW THAT THEY HAD THOROUGHLY CHECKED THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. I INSISTED THAT THEY NEEDED TO CONTINUE EVALUATING THE CAR AND ADVISED THEM THAT I WOULD PREFER FOR THEM TO PERFORM ADDITIONAL DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, SINCE WE HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 2 WEEKS AND HAD NO PRIOR WARNING OF ANY MALFUNCTION. THEY CONTINUED EVALUATING THE CAR AND FOUND NOTHING WRONG SO THEY CONTACTED BMW NA. ON JULY 22, I WAS CONTACTED BY BMW NA TO GET A FULL ACCOUNT OF THE INCIDENT AND TO LET ME KNOW THAT THEY WERE GOING TO SEND A SPECIALIST TO LOOK AT THE CAR AND CONDUCT SOME TESTING. ON JULY 31ST I WAS CONTACTED BY BMW NA TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE REPORT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED BY THE SPECIALIST AND THAT THE CAR IS IN PERFECT CONDITION AND THE BRAKES ARE WORKING AS THEY SHOULD. I REQUESTED A WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM BMW CERTIFYING THAT THE CAR IS IN OPTIMAL CONDITION, SAFE TO DRIVE, AND HAS NO DEFECTS. I ALSO REQUESTED A COPY OF THE REPORT PRODUCED BY THE SPECIALIST BUT BMW NA INFORMED ME THERE WAS NO REPORT AVAILABLE. THEY DID AGREE TO SEND THE WRITTEN STATEMENT BY REGULAR MAIL WHICH WILL TAKE 5-7 DAYS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN WHICH PUTS DRIVERS AT A HIGH RISK OF GETTING HURT OR HURTING SOMEONE ELSE, SCARY! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10617844
1,927 miles · Apr 7, 2014
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control
I WAS AT A STOP WAITING TO ENTER FREEWAY, HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK PEDAL AND MY 428I STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I WAS VERY SCARED SINCE IT WOULD NOT STOP AND NEARLY RAMMED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I STARTED HONKING SO VEHICLE IN FRONT WOULD MOVE FORWARD. I PUT EMERGENCY BREAK (HAND BREAK) AND CAR ON PARK. SMOKE WAS…
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I WAS AT A STOP WAITING TO ENTER FREEWAY, HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK PEDAL AND MY 428I STARTED ACCELERATING ON ITS OWN. I WAS VERY SCARED SINCE IT WOULD NOT STOP AND NEARLY RAMMED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I STARTED HONKING SO VEHICLE IN FRONT WOULD MOVE FORWARD. I PUT EMERGENCY BREAK (HAND BREAK) AND CAR ON PARK. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT OF THE SIDES OF THE VEHICLE. I'M SO BLESSED TO HAVE BEEN AT A STOP AND NOT ON FREEWAY AT TIME THIS HAPPENED. I DID CONTACT SOS AND VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO DEALERSHIP WHERE PURCHASE WAS MADE. NO UPDATE YET; SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS WAITING ON INSTRUCTIONS FROM BMW. MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN; MANUFACTURER DEFECT WHICH PUTS MANY DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS AT RISK OF AN AUTO COLLISION, INJURY, AND DEATH. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10578077
Official recalls
6Dec 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.
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.
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
1EA21002 · 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.