NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
147 reportsClear category filter68,000 miles · Jun 30, 2020
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train
ON 6/23/20, AT APPROX., 6:15 AM, MY 2013 BMW X3 VEHICLE (APPROX. 68,000 MILES) LOST ENGINE POWER AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT FROM A BUSY AND CONGESTED N/B 215 FREEWAY (NEAR THE W/B 10 FREEWAY EXCHANGE) IN COLTON, CALIFORNIA. PRIOR TO LOSING ENGINE POWER, AND AT ABOUT LESS THAN ONE MINUTES BEFORE, MY VEHICLE'S LOW OIL LIGHT …
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ON 6/23/20, AT APPROX., 6:15 AM, MY 2013 BMW X3 VEHICLE (APPROX. 68,000 MILES) LOST ENGINE POWER AS I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PULL OUT FROM A BUSY AND CONGESTED N/B 215 FREEWAY (NEAR THE W/B 10 FREEWAY EXCHANGE) IN COLTON, CALIFORNIA. PRIOR TO LOSING ENGINE POWER, AND AT ABOUT LESS THAN ONE MINUTES BEFORE, MY VEHICLE'S LOW OIL LIGHT SENSOR HAD COME ON, THEN QUICKLY CHANGED TO A DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION SENSOR -- WARNING ME TO DRIVE MODERATELY, BUT THAT WAS MEANINGLESS BECAUSE MY VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEGAN TO LOSE ENGINE POWER. I SLID TO A SLOW STOP INTO THE EMERGENCY LANE OF THE FREEWAY AFTER CUTTING OFF NUMEROUS VEHICLES BEHIND ME IN AN EFFORT TO MAKE IT OFF THE FREEWAY.
NHTSA ODI #11331733
91,450 miles · Jun 18, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HIS WIFE ARRIVED HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PACIFIC BMW (800 S. BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204, 8182-46-5600) T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN HIS WIFE ARRIVED HOME, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO PACIFIC BMW (800 S. BRAND BLVD, GLENDALE, CA 91204, 8182-46-5600) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING BELT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 91,450.
NHTSA ODI #11329561
58,000 miles · Jun 15, 2020
Engine
ENGINE SEIZED AT ONLY 58K MILES RIGHT AT THE AIRPORT, WOULD NOT START AGAIN. IT WAS LATER TOWED TO THE DEALER AND A NEW ENGINE WAS REPLACED. 6 MONTHS LATER AT 61K MILES, HUGE PLUMES OF WHITE SMOKES IS COMING OUT OF THE EXHAUST. DROVE TO THE DEALER AGAIN AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE TURBOCHARGER IS BROKEN. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11329086
Mileage unknown · Jun 15, 2020
EnginePower Train
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE MALFUNCTION TRANS LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS TOLD I HAD A OIL LEAK AND THE AIR TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE PROGRAMMING UPDATE. THE NEXT DAY BMW SERVICE ADVISOR, [XXX] CALLED TO TELL ME MY TIMING CHAIN NEED TO…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND MY VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE MALFUNCTION TRANS LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND WAS TOLD I HAD A OIL LEAK AND THE AIR TUBE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AS WELL AS THE PROGRAMMING UPDATE. THE NEXT DAY BMW SERVICE ADVISOR, [XXX] CALLED TO TELL ME MY TIMING CHAIN NEED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WOULD COST OVER 7000$. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO. HE GAVE ME HIS ADVICE OR TWO OPTIONS I HAD, I COULD PAY FOR THE COST OF REPAIRS AND HAVE A VEHICLE OR JUST FIX WHAT WAS DISCUSSED AND TRY TO SELL MY VEHICLE TO SOMEONE ELSE. I ASKED HIM TO HELP ME AND PUT ME INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE, HE SAID OH NO WE CAN'T DO THAT. I ASKED WHY, IT'S YOUR CAR YOU SOLD IT TO ME. [XXX] TOLD ME BMW KNOWS WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE CAR YOU WON'T GET ANYTHING FOR IT, YET HE WANTED ME TO SELL IT TO ANOTHER FAMILY AND ENDANGER THEIR LIVES. I WASN'T GOING TO HEAR FROM HIM AGAIN, VERY UNPROFESSIONAL. IT MADE ME SICK. I CALLED AND SPOKE WITH CUSTOMER RELATIONS A WOMAN BY THE NAME OF [XXX] AND WAS TOLD AFTER 4 DAYS OF INVESTIGATION, THERE'S NOTHING THEY CAN DO FOR ME. I TOLD THEM THEY COULD HAVE THE VEHICLE, I'M NOT PAYING FOR THEIR MANUFACTURE DEFECT. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. BMW IS ENDANGERING LIVES BY ALLOWING CONSUMERS TO PURCHASE VEHICLES WITH KNOWN DEFECTS. I WOULD HAVE NEVER PURCHASED MY 2013 BMW X3 28I IN MARCH 2017 IF I HAD KNOWN I WOULD HAVE PROBLEMS @ 80,000 MILES. THIS IS CRAZY. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328966
69,000 miles · Jun 12, 2020
EnginePower Train
TIMING-CHAIN BREAK DUE TO TIMING GUARD WHICH IS MADE FOR A PLASTIC BREAK AND ENGINE FAILURE, ITS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH BMW N20 ENGINE, THEY UPGRADE THE EFFECTED PART IN 2015 TO FIX IT BUT CARS THAT HAVE THESE N20 MODEL EARLIER GETTING THIS FAILURE AND BMW NOT TAKE OWNERSHIP IF ITS AFTER 7 YEARS OR 70000 MILES. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328574
95,515 miles · Jun 11, 2020
Engine
ON 11/12/2019, ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING AT 40-44 MPH ON CITY ROAD, THE ACCELERATION SUDDENLY DROPPED, A SCREEN MESSAGE READ, "INCREASED ENGINE PRESSURE," AND ADVISED ME TO, "STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY," WHICH I HAD NO CHANCE TO DO BECAUSE THE SUV CAME TO A COMPLETE HALT. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A BUSINE…
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ON 11/12/2019, ON MY WAY TO WORK DRIVING AT 40-44 MPH ON CITY ROAD, THE ACCELERATION SUDDENLY DROPPED, A SCREEN MESSAGE READ, "INCREASED ENGINE PRESSURE," AND ADVISED ME TO, "STOP ENGINE IMMEDIATELY," WHICH I HAD NO CHANCE TO DO BECAUSE THE SUV CAME TO A COMPLETE HALT. THANKFULLY I WAS ABLE TO TURN INTO THE DRIVEWAY OF A BUSINESS, BUT UNABLE TO PARK. THE CAR TURNED ITSELF OFF AND "LOCKED." A BMW DEALERSHIP SERVICE DIAGNOSED THE SUV'S TIME-CHAIN NEEDED REPLACEMENT (MILEAGE WAS 95515. BMW STATED THAT THE WARRANTY FOR THIS MODEL'S TIME-CHAIN WAS 7 YEARS/70,000 MILES. IN REPLACING THE TIME-CHAIN, THE MOTOR WAS RUINED WITH METAL SHAVINGS. COMPLAINTS LISTED AT HTTPS://DRIVING-TESTS.ORG/VIN-DECODER/ REPORT CONSUMERS WHO HAVE HAD SIMILAR BAD EXPERIENCE WITH THE TIMING CHAIN AT ABOUT 100,000 MILES. I PURCHASED THE BMW USED WITH 95899 MILES AND DROVE IT FEWER THAN 3,000 MILES BEFORE THE TIMING CHAIN AND ENGINE WERE RUINED. BMW NORTH AMERICA, LLC, DOES NOT WANT TO HELP CUSTOMERS WITH THE BAD TIMING CHAIN ISSUE. THE DEALER FROM WHOM I PURCHASED THE USED BMW IS BENZ & BEEMER IN SCOTTSDALE, AZ, WHOM ORIGINALLY BELIEVED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN HAD "LIFETIME WARRANTY," BUT BMW SCOTTSDALE CORRECTED THEM. BENZ & BEEMER REFUSES TO NOW REPLACE THE BMW'S MOTOR AT THEIR EXPENSE, OF COURSE. ESSENTIALLY, THE BMW SUV IS AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE, EVEN AS USED, TO NOT HAVE A "LIFETIME WARRANTY" ON THE TIMING CHAIN. IN ADDITION, THE FAULTY TIMING CHAIN POSES A GREAT ACCIDENT RISK, IF NOT DEATH, TO THE DRIVER BECAUSE THE VEHICLE HALTS TO A COMPLETE STOP, WHICH MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR THE DRIVER TO MOVE TO SAFETY, DIRE IF THE DRIVER IS IN THE FREEWAY TRAFFIC. IF THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT CHANGE THE WARRANTY ON THE TIMING CHAIN, THEN YOU MUST MAKE A RECOMMENDATION TO PUT THIS VEHICLE OUT OF SERVICE BEGINNING AT 90,000 MILES. DIAGNOSE AT BMW SCOTTS 480-538-3991. THANKS, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328417
45 miles · Jun 10, 2020
Engine
THE NIGHT OF 11/9/2019, I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 BMW X3 WHEN MY ENGINE PRESSURE LOW LIGHT CAME ON THEN FOLLOWED BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHTS AND INSTANTLY MY SUV DIED/LOST ALL POWER AND I HAD TO DANGEROUSLY PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHILE AVOIDING OTHER CARS. THIS IS EXTREMELY UPSETTING SINCE MY LITTLE ONES WERE IN THE …
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THE NIGHT OF 11/9/2019, I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 BMW X3 WHEN MY ENGINE PRESSURE LOW LIGHT CAME ON THEN FOLLOWED BY DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION LIGHTS AND INSTANTLY MY SUV DIED/LOST ALL POWER AND I HAD TO DANGEROUSLY PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD WHILE AVOIDING OTHER CARS. THIS IS EXTREMELY UPSETTING SINCE MY LITTLE ONES WERE IN THE CAR WITH ME AND WE WERE ON THE FREEWAY A FEW MINUTES EARLIER. THE SUV LOCKED UP AND WAS UNABLE TO START BACK UP. I HAD THE SUV TOWED TO THE BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY FOUND THE TIMING CHAIN GUIDE (MADE OF PLASTIC) HAD BROKEN AND THE BROKEN PIECES BLOCK THE OIL PUMP. IT TOOK OUT THE OIL PUMP AND STARVED THE ENGINE OF OIL AND NOW I HAVE A DEAD ENGINE. MY SUV HAVE ONLY 75K MILES ON IT WAS REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY BMW SERVICE DEPARTMENT. I WAS QUOTED $17,437.02 TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. BMW SERVICE DEPT CONTACTED BMW AMERICA TO FILE A CLAIM AND GET THE REPAIRS COVERED. BMW REFUSED THE CLAIM STATING THAT IT WAS PAST THEIR 7 YEARS /70K MILES TIMING CHAIN WARRANTY. I HAD PURCHASE THE BMW PLATINUM EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT COVERS 7 YEARS/ 100K MILES, BUT IT EXPIRED 2 MONTHS AFTER THIS INCIDENT. IT'S A DEFECTIVE TIMING CHAIN/BRACKET THAT CAN RESULT TO TOTAL ENGINE DAMAGE. BMW NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 10 YEARS/ 150K MILES WARRANTY OR ISSUE A RECALL. PEOPLE CAN LOSE THEIR LIFE WHEN THE ENGINE SHUTS DOWN AND THE CAR LOSE POWER. AFTER RESEARCHING ONLINE FOR BMW N20 TIMING CHAIN FAILURE, IT IS QUITE COMMON ON THE N20 AND THE N26 ENGINES. BMW KNOWS THIS AND ARE REFUSING TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEFECTIVE PARTS.FOR THE SAFETY OF DRIVERS, PLEASE HAVE BMW NORTH AMERICA HELD RESPONSIBLE. ALSO, ITS NOT FAIR FOR THE CUSTOMERS TO BE LIABLE FOR REPAIRS DUE TO THE DEFECTIVE PARTS. THE COST TO REPLACE THE ENGINE IS ENOUGH TO PURCHASE A NEW CARS. THAT'S LUDICROUS AND TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE! *TR
NHTSA ODI #11328228
99,753 miles · Jun 3, 2020
Engine
MY 2013 BMW X3 SHOWED A LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING ON THE DISPLAY. STOPPED THE CAR, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE N20 ENGINE. THE COST TO REPLACE IS CLOSE TO $6000. THE TIMING CHAIN IS NOT PART OF THE MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT NOT S…
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MY 2013 BMW X3 SHOWED A LOW OIL PRESSURE WARNING ON THE DISPLAY. STOPPED THE CAR, AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER SAID THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE N20 ENGINE. THE COST TO REPLACE IS CLOSE TO $6000. THE TIMING CHAIN IS NOT PART OF THE MAINTENANCE OF THE VEHICLE AND IT NOT SUPPOSE TO FAIL. THE DEALER TOLD ME TO CALL BMW NORTH AMERICA FOR ASSISTANCE TO REPLACE SINCE THE PROBLEM IS DUE TO A DESIGN DEFECT AND NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE. I CALLED AND AFTER 2 WEEKS BMW NORTH AMERICA GOT IN TOUCH WITH ME AND TOLD ME THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HELP ME OUT, NOT EVEN PARTIALLY. I CANNOT DRIVE OR SELL THE VEHICLE WITHOUT THE REPAIR BECAUSE THE ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY FAIL WHICH COULD POTENTIALLY CAUSE SOMEONE TO GET INJURED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IF THE FAILURE OCCURS WHEN DRIVING IN TRAFFIC. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11327090
100,000 miles · Jun 1, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH AND APPROACHING A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED COGGIN BMW OF TREASURE COAST IN FT. PIERCE LOCATED AT 4429 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34982, (772) 742-5582, AND NOTIFIED THE DEALER OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. *LN *TR
NHTSA ODI #11326770
134,034 miles · May 22, 2020
Engine
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT STALLED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO A SERVICE STATION AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW X3. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE TRANSMISSION WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED FOR A FEW MINUTES BUT STALLED AGAIN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PUSHED TO A SERVICE STATION AND LATER TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE TIMING CHAIN NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED COGGIN BMW OF TREASURE COAST IN FT. PIERCE LOCATED AT 4429 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34982, (772) 742-5582 AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000. *LN CONSUMER HAS 2 DIAGNOSTIC TESTING DONE WITHIN FEW DAYS OF EACH OTHER. CONSUMER HAS A 10 YEARS 120,000 MILES LIMITED WARRANTY WHICH COVERS TIMING CHAIN AND OIL PUMP CHAIN.*JB
NHTSA ODI #11325565
Official recalls
7Aug 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.
Aug 8, 2017
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, and M6 Convertible vehicles and 2013 M6 Coupe vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag module, free of charge. The recall began October 6, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
May 23, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. 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.
Nov 15, 2013
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Air Bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013 X3 xDrive 28i/35i vehicles manufactured February 11, 2013, through February 27, 2013. Due to a production process error, the tear seam on the instrument panel was not manufactured correctly.
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the air bag could improperly deploy, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the air bag's protection and increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger. In addition, parts or fragments from the air bag system could strike and injure the front passenger or other vehicle occupants.
Remedy: BMW has notified owners and dealers will replace the instrument panel, free of charge. The recall began on December 11, 2013. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Sep 26, 2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking
Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.
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