NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
9 reportsClear category filter69,900 miles · Mar 31, 2019
EngineVehicle Speed Control
WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 65MPH CAR LOSS POWER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MOTOR RADDLE,HAD RAPID DECLARATION LOSS ALL POWER ALMOST GOT HIT FROM REAREND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY I WAS IN SLOW LANE.JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR . .CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAID SAFE TO DRIVE.TOOK BACK TO A CAR DEALER.CAR HAD TURBO MALFUNCTION WASTE GATE ACTUATOR.TH…
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WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 65MPH CAR LOSS POWER CHECK ENGINE LIGHT.MOTOR RADDLE,HAD RAPID DECLARATION LOSS ALL POWER ALMOST GOT HIT FROM REAREND WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY I WAS IN SLOW LANE.JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR . .CHECK ENGINE LIGHT SAID SAFE TO DRIVE.TOOK BACK TO A CAR DEALER.CAR HAD TURBO MALFUNCTION WASTE GATE ACTUATOR.THIS IS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE CHECK
NHTSA ODI #11192758
51,000 miles · Jan 25, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
WE WERE DRIVING ALONG THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY WHEN ALL THE VEHICLES INDICATOR LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING, THE SPEED AND RPM NEEDLE STOPPED WORKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE NAVIGATION EVENTUALLY BLACKED OUT, AND THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. AS WE DRIFTED TOWARD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR TURNED ON AGAIN BUT ALL…
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WE WERE DRIVING ALONG THE NORTHERN STATE PARKWAY WHEN ALL THE VEHICLES INDICATOR LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING, THE SPEED AND RPM NEEDLE STOPPED WORKING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THE NAVIGATION EVENTUALLY BLACKED OUT, AND THE CAR LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING. AS WE DRIFTED TOWARD THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR TURNED ON AGAIN BUT ALL LIGHTS IN THE CAR CONTINUED FLASHING UNTIL THE CAR SHUT OFF ONCE AND FOR ALL. THE CARS COMPUTER WOULD NOT COMMUNICATE WITH DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT BROUGHT TO THE SCENE. A BOTTLE OF WATER WAS FOUND OPEN NEAR THE MODULES IN THE TRUNK AND CONFIRMED TO BE THE CAUSE OF ELECTRICAL DAMAGE WHICH DISABLED THE VEHICLE. WATER IN THE TRUNK OF BMW X1 CAUSES VEHICLE TO BECOME INOPERABLE WHILE DRIVING. BECAUSE OF THE PLACEMENT OF THE VULNERABLE ELECTRONICS IN THE BOTTOM OF THE CARGO AREAS. -INSTRUMENT FAILURES -LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE -VEHICLE WILL SHUT DOWN ON HIGHWAY -DELICATE ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS DAMAGED BY A BOTTLED WATER -CAUSES ELECTRICAL FIRE OR CARE SHUTS DOWN WHILE DRIVING -RISK OF DEATH FOR BMW PASSENGERS AND TO OTHER PARTYS ON THE HIGHWAY -FILED SUNROOF WATER SEAL
NHTSA ODI #11172179
78,000 miles · Dec 12, 2018
Engine
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A SIDE STREET, GOING ABOUT 25MPH. REDUCED ENGINE SPEED LIGHT CAME ON AND A FEW SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. MANAGED TO CREEP THE CAR TO THE CURB BEFORE SHUT DOWN. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. MECHANIC SAID TIMING GUARD AND CHAIN WENT, ENGINE IS DEAD AT APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES. BMW NORTH AM…
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DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A SIDE STREET, GOING ABOUT 25MPH. REDUCED ENGINE SPEED LIGHT CAME ON AND A FEW SECONDS LATER THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY. MANAGED TO CREEP THE CAR TO THE CURB BEFORE SHUT DOWN. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED. MECHANIC SAID TIMING GUARD AND CHAIN WENT, ENGINE IS DEAD AT APPROXIMATELY 78,000 MILES. BMW NORTH AMERICA WAS CONTACTED TWICE. I WAS TOLD BASICALLY THAT I WAS OUT OF LUCK. NEEDS A NEW MOTOR. USED MOTOR TO COST $11K INSTALLED. STILL OWE MONEY ON LOAN.
NHTSA ODI #11161016
86,000 miles · Jun 5, 2018
Engine
ENGINE FAILED ON 2013 BMW X1 35I (E84 MODEL, N55 ENGINE) AT 86,000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMS BY BMW DEALERSHIP. ENGINED FAILED AS CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. ENGINE WOULD NOT START AFTER INCIDENT. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH, AND OBSERVED METAL SHAV…
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ENGINE FAILED ON 2013 BMW X1 35I (E84 MODEL, N55 ENGINE) AT 86,000 MILES. ALL MAINTENANCE PERFORMS BY BMW DEALERSHIP. ENGINED FAILED AS CAR WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. ENGINE WOULD NOT START AFTER INCIDENT. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP CONFIRMED THAT ENGINE WAS RUNNING ROUGH, AND OBSERVED METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN. THEY RECOMMENDED A NEW ENGINE ($25K+), FOR THIS 5 YEAR OLD PREMIUM VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11100097
51,600 miles · Dec 14, 2017
Electrical SystemEngine
ELECTRIC WATER PUMP AND THERMOSTAT FAILURE AT 51,600 MILES. ENGINE/RAD FAN BEGAN TO CYCLE ERRATICALLY; WOULD NOT BLOW HOT AIR TO HEAT INSIDE CABIN, AND GOT A SYSTEM MESSAGE DISPLAY WARNING OF CAR OVER-HEATING AND TO PULL OVER.
NHTSA ODI #11054646
65,000 miles · May 24, 2017
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X1. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BMW OF ARLINGTON 1105 E LAMAR BLVD ARLINGTON TX 76011 817-461-9222) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X1. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (BMW OF ARLINGTON 1105 E LAMAR BLVD ARLINGTON TX 76011 817-461-9222) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SHOCK SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10991532
39,547 miles · Jun 22, 2016
EnginePower Train
WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION GOES FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK, TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND WORKED NORMALLY. TWO DAYS LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND 2 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING THE HIGHWAY AND THIS TIME THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED…
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WHILE DRIVING THE TRANSMISSION GOES FROM DRIVE TO NEUTRAL. HAPPENED THREE TIMES AND WAS ABLE TO PUT CAR IN PARK, TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN BACK ON AND WORKED NORMALLY. TWO DAYS LATER IT HAPPENS AGAIN APPROACHING A STOP SIGN AND 2 MINUTES BEFORE TAKING THE HIGHWAY AND THIS TIME THE CAR WILL NOT START. THE TRANSMISSION IS ENGAGED (REAR WILL WILL NOT MOVE) WITH THE ENGINE SO BEFORE TOWING THE PROCESS TO ALLOWING TOWING IS IMPLEMENTED. TAKEN TO BMW AND THEY SAY ITS NEED A NEW ENGINE. THEY SAID THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES. NO ANALYSIS OF ANY COMPONENT WAS COMPLETED EXCEPT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER.
NHTSA ODI #10875803
1,200 miles · Aug 21, 2014
Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting
BMW X1 LEASED IN MAY 2013: SDRIVE 28I *1ST DEFECT NOTICED: NAV SCREEN & INTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD CUT OFF. COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE OTHER DEFECTS/*ENGINE FAILURE AT HWY SPEEDS:GENERALLY FOLLOWING NAVIGATION BLACK-OUTS- ENGINE, WITHOUT WARNING, CUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. /*ENGINE FAILURE WI…
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BMW X1 LEASED IN MAY 2013: SDRIVE 28I *1ST DEFECT NOTICED: NAV SCREEN & INTERIOR LIGHTING WOULD CUT OFF. COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.CONTINUED THROUGHOUT THE OTHER DEFECTS/*ENGINE FAILURE AT HWY SPEEDS:GENERALLY FOLLOWING NAVIGATION BLACK-OUTS- ENGINE, WITHOUT WARNING, CUT OFF WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE. /*ENGINE FAILURE WITH FULL ELECTRICAL & LIGHTING FAILURE- NO POWER STEERING- NIGHT TIME/*AUTO START STOP-VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKES IN TRAFFIC/*UNPROMPTED ACCELERATION /*BRAKE FAILURE 100% /*GEAR SHIFTER WOULD NOT REMAIN IN SELECTED P, D, N, R UPON SELECTION/*GEAR SHIFTER-"RANDOMLY" SHIFT INTO OTHER GEAR SELECTIONS WHILE DRIVING AT ALL SPEEDS./*POWER SURGES- VEHICLE WOULD RANDOMLY CHARGE THEN NOT CHARGE IPHONE ( COMPATIBLE MODEL) / WOULD ALSO SEND POWER SURGES TO HEATED SEATS WHEN NOT ON, HEATED SEAT BUTTON NOT LIT UP- WOULD CAUSE SEATS TO BECOME EXTREMELY HOT TO WHERE, IF I COULDN'T EXIT THE VEHICLE, I WOULD HAVE TO TURN ON THE AIR (WOULD ONLY BLOW HOT AIR DURING SURGE) AND SIT ON JACKET./*ENGINE LIGHT ALWAYS ON/*VEHICLE WOULD SPELL OF "BURNING"/*POWER SEATS- RANDOMLY STOP WORKING/*HEADLIGHTS/FOG LIGHTS- RANDOMLY BLEW OUT SHORTLY AFTER LEASING/*VEHICLE WIPERS (FRONT AND REAR)- WOULDN'T WORK "TOGETHER"- WOULD SOMETIMES HIT EACH OTHER DURING HEAVY RAIN/*LOSS OF GPS ALONGSIDE RANDOM CURRENT LOCATION FAILURE(WOULD SAY I WAS IN KANSAS, CA, ETC. WHILE I WAS IN GEORGIA.- DIRECTIONS INTO DEAD ENDS/ NON- EXISTENT ROADS/*BLUETOOTH FAILURE CONSTANTLY/*REAR SEATS WOULD BECOME UNLATCHED IF HARD BRAKING OCCURRED- NOT OPERATOR FAILURE; BACK SEATS WERE "RARELY" MOVED OUT OF UPRIGHT POSITION- NEVER OCCURRED AROUND TIME OF MOVING SEATS./*RADIO FREQUENCY FAILURE/*BMW NA -UNITED BMW- BMW FS-MADE AWARE OF PROBLEM -GIVEN VIDEO FOOTAGE DURING ACTUAL FAILURES- BMW STATED " NOT A LEMON LAW ISSUE." - ALL DOCUMENTED- MONTHS IN SERVICE- COULDN'T FIX. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10627326
11,000 miles · Jul 2, 2014
Engine
I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND: "ENGINE MALFUNCTION: REDUCED ENGINE POWER. SAFE TO CONTINUE, DRIVE WITH CAUTION. PLEASE TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST SERVICE CENTER." I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS CLEARLY SHAKING PERIODICALLY. I CALLED A FRIEND AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE AN INJECTION PROBLEM, AMONG SEVER…
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I STARTED THE ENGINE, THE CAR STARTED SHAKING AND: "ENGINE MALFUNCTION: REDUCED ENGINE POWER. SAFE TO CONTINUE, DRIVE WITH CAUTION. PLEASE TAKE VEHICLE TO NEAREST SERVICE CENTER." I OPENED THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE WAS CLEARLY SHAKING PERIODICALLY. I CALLED A FRIEND AND THEY SAID IT MIGHT BE AN INJECTION PROBLEM, AMONG SEVERAL OTHER POTENTIAL ISSUES. I DECIDED TO DRIVE IT ON THE HIGHWAY TO TRY AND GET TO THE NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP (45 MILES AWAY), AND AFTER ABOUT 10 MILES (GOING ABOUT 50 MPH) IT GOT REALLY BAD. IT STARTED TO SHAKE SO MUCH I HAD TO PULL OVER QUICKLY - AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE, I STAYED IN THE RIGHT LANE KNOWING THAT I MIGHT HAVE TO PULL OVER. I COULD HAVE EASILY GOTTEN INTO AN ACCIDENT WERE I IN THE LEFT OR MIDDLE LANES BECAUSE OF THE DRASTIC REDUCTION IN SPEED. I THEN GOT THE CAR TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP (BMW OF WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA), AND THEY TOLD ME IT HAD A FAULTY INJECTOR AND SO THEY REPLACED ALL OF THEM. I ASKED THEM WHY THE FUEL INJECTORS FAILED - THEY SAID: "SOMETIMES YOU JUST GET A BAD CAR OUT OF THE BATCH." TODAY, I GOT BACK IN THE CAR AND THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN. IT STARTED SHAKING BADLY, ENGINE MALFUNCTION ERROR, ETC. I HAD IT TOWED TO BMW OF MANHATTAN. ONE OF THE SERVICE REPS OVER THERE SAID, WHEN ASKED HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN AGAIN, SAID THAT "SOMETIMES INJECTORS FAIL OUT OF THE BOX. WE'LL SEND THE PARTS TO GERMANY AND THEY'LL DISSECT THEM TO FIND OUT WHAT HAPPENED." BMW OF MANHATTAN IS CURRENTLY REPLACING ALL FUEL INJECTORS AND SPARK PLUGS, WHICH WERE FLOODED WITH FUEL BECAUSE OF THE MISFIRING FUEL INJECTORS. NO ONE, NOT EVEN BMW OF NORTH AMERICA WHOM I HAVE CALLED SEVERAL TIMES, IS WILLING TO GIVE ME A PROPER ANSWER ON WHY THE INJECTORS FAILED, NOR ARE THEY WILLING TO GIVE ME ANY GUARANTEES AS TO THE SAFETY OF MY CAR, NOR ARE THEY WILLING TO MAKE ANY REPARATIONS FOR WHAT HAPPENED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10607754
Official recalls
3Feb 5, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. 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.