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2014 BMW X3

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 BMW X3 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 86.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

50 reports with mileage · 36 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 19 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

6 crash reports1 fire reports2 injury reports

What owners actually said

86 reports
Mileage unknown · Nov 17, 2022
Electrical System

The LED chips that control the running lamps in the rear and prone to fail based on my personal experience and reading forums; I've replaced 3 so far. However, BMW has yet to acknowledge the issue and will only sell you an entire brake lamp for $400+. You can find the chip that needs replacing on Amazon for ~$15 with a Lifetime …

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The LED chips that control the running lamps in the rear and prone to fail based on my personal experience and reading forums; I've replaced 3 so far. However, BMW has yet to acknowledge the issue and will only sell you an entire brake lamp for $400+. You can find the chip that needs replacing on Amazon for ~$15 with a Lifetime Warranty through the Amazon retailer. During normal operation, these LED lights stay lit in the rear when you're not actively braking or signaling and when you're parking so they're important for any traffic following from behind especially if it's dark. I've seen other German auto manufacturers with similar issues where the rear LED lights no longer function due to defective chips or simply not making them easily available for repair should the chip fail.

NHTSA ODI #11494036

47,000 miles · Oct 20, 2022
Engine

The contact owns a 2014 BWM X3. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the engine was running rough. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and noticed that the timing chain was stretched. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 47,000.

NHTSA ODI #11490201

Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

No oil change or engine light on dash. Passed state emissions test with no indicator lights on weeks ago. Engine timing chain malfunction. A warning light displayed once the engine stopped my vehicle. Also, pressed SOS button for 911 after vehicle stopped right off highway and stopped mid intersection, but learned it doesn’t wor…

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No oil change or engine light on dash. Passed state emissions test with no indicator lights on weeks ago. Engine timing chain malfunction. A warning light displayed once the engine stopped my vehicle. Also, pressed SOS button for 911 after vehicle stopped right off highway and stopped mid intersection, but learned it doesn’t work after 5G towers upgraded.

NHTSA ODI #11484511

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2022
Air BagsUnknown Or Other

driver seat will not move forward <driver restraint system malfunction, computer keep restarting while driving and SOS keep popping on the computer

NHTSA ODI #11480352

Mileage unknown · Jul 13, 2022
Engine

All BMW n20 engines have a timing chain malfunction causing damage to the engine and hazardous driving. There was a lawsuit settled two years ago, however, anyone who wasn’t alerted of the settlement or had not experienced mechanical issues yet are now left with costly repairs on their as the claim window has closed. BMW lost …

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All BMW n20 engines have a timing chain malfunction causing damage to the engine and hazardous driving. There was a lawsuit settled two years ago, however, anyone who wasn’t alerted of the settlement or had not experienced mechanical issues yet are now left with costly repairs on their as the claim window has closed. BMW lost the lawsuit - there is a manufacturing defect that should have been recalled. Please help hold bmw accountable for repair ALL vehicles with this issue, not just some. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI #11473686

Mileage unknown · Oct 9, 2021
Visibility/wiper

On 10/2/2021 my driver side mirror assembly fell off when driver door was closed. On 3/7/2020 my passenger mirror assembly fell off when the passenger door was closed. My safety was at risk when not being able to effectively use mirrors for travel visibility. Others traveling behind me may have if my mirror wires shredded and…

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On 10/2/2021 my driver side mirror assembly fell off when driver door was closed. On 3/7/2020 my passenger mirror assembly fell off when the passenger door was closed. My safety was at risk when not being able to effectively use mirrors for travel visibility. Others traveling behind me may have if my mirror wires shredded and it became a projectile as in both incidents I was 45 minutes from home. Both times I had to find tape to hold it up. I contacted BMW North America Customer Relations case #2021-27700837. I was told on 10/8/2021 by supervisor Ashley ext.1461 my vehicle is out of warranty and they do not have reports of mirrors falling off being an issue and would not assist with goodwill for this second incident. Please see in the forum attachment BMW is aware of the faulty mirror assemblies. Ashley informed me my call was recorded. My local mechanic changed the mirror assembly in 2020. See attached invoice. My local mechanic will change the drivers side mirror assembly this week. I had scheduled BMW Fort Myers FL appt for 10/11/2021 10:00am but service advisor Jose quoted an amount $500 higher than Walt’s Garage. Walt’s initially ordered the assembly from Fort Myers BMW via parts Dept tech Michael who held assembly in my name. See Walt’s quote attached. There were no warnings that the mirrors would fall off. My vehicle has been garaged both in NJ and FL since I purchased it. A few times I noticed the driver mirror assembly not close when pressing the fold button. This was not noticed for the passenger mirror. I did a web search and have noticed several times individuals complaints of broken BMW mirror assembly. I have attached photos of most relevant case on Bimmerforum.com where a tech saw a mirror fall off. The report dated 5/19/20 shows that they contacted BMW Customer Relations so they were aware of the fault and also reimbursed the customer. Although the repair shop name was not mentioned it seems that it could have been BMW dealership.

NHTSA ODI #11436160

55,000 miles · Apr 8, 2021
Engine

FAULTY TURBO HOSE CAUSES OIL TO LEAK AND SMOKE FROM ENGINE. SEEMS TO BE COMMON PROBLEM THAT I WISH BMW WOULD ADDRESS.

NHTSA ODI #11407041

70,642 miles · Feb 19, 2021
Engine

TURBO WASTE GATE ACTUATOR ROD RUSTED OUT. THIS IMMEDIATELY LED TO LOSS OF TURBO-CHARGING, LEADING TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO LOW ENGINE OUTPUT. THERE IS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING. THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL/ENGINE AS EVIDENCED BY THE BMW TSB: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-101…

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TURBO WASTE GATE ACTUATOR ROD RUSTED OUT. THIS IMMEDIATELY LED TO LOSS OF TURBO-CHARGING, LEADING TO A DANGEROUS SITUATION DUE TO LOW ENGINE OUTPUT. THERE IS NO WARNING PRIOR TO THIS OCCURRING. THIS IS A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM FOR THIS MODEL/ENGINE AS EVIDENCED BY THE BMW TSB: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2018/MC-10154818-9999.PDF I FEEL THIS ISSUE IS WIDESPREAD ENOUGH AND UNSAFE ENOUGH TO MERIT A RECALL OF THE ACTUATOR UNIT/ROD -- AT LEAST IN NORTHERN STATES THAT USE SALT ON THEIR ROADS

NHTSA ODI #11396955

75,000 miles · Nov 18, 2020
Engine

I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I WAS GETTING CLOSE TO BEING HOME SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO TRY TO SAFELY GET MY CAR OFF THE STREET. IT THEN BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWER AND SLOWER EVEN AS I WAS STEPPING FULLY ON THE GAS PEDDLE (WELL BELOW THE CITY STREET LIMIT OF 35, AS CARS STARTED TO GO ARO…

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I WAS DRIVING HOME ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT BEGAN TO FLASH. I WAS GETTING CLOSE TO BEING HOME SO I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO TRY TO SAFELY GET MY CAR OFF THE STREET. IT THEN BEGAN TO DRIVE SLOWER AND SLOWER EVEN AS I WAS STEPPING FULLY ON THE GAS PEDDLE (WELL BELOW THE CITY STREET LIMIT OF 35, AS CARS STARTED TO GO AROUND ME). THE CAR THEN COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. I LUCKILY HAD MADE IT TO A NEIGHBORHOOD ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO GLIDE OVER TO THE SIDE AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE CAR WAS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL IT WAS STILL IN THE STREET AND I WAS STRANDED IN THE RAIN UNTIL THE TOW TRUCK GOT THERE HOURS LATER. ONCE I PUT THE CAR IN PARK IT WOULD NOT GO BACK TO NEUTRAL SO I HAD TO WAIT FOR A SPECIFIC TOW TRUCK. ONCE MY MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO TAKE A LOOK HE SAID THAT THE TIMING BELT HAD BROKEN AND DESTROYED THE ENGINE. IN HIS OPINION THIS IS UNHEARD OF IN A CAR WITH JUST OVER 70,000 MILES AND 6 YEARS OLD. I HAD JUST PURCHASED THE CAR FROM A HIGH END USED DEALERSHIP 5 MONTHS PRIOR AND THEY SAID THEY FOUND THAT BMW HAD PUT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE TIMING BELT FOR 70,000/7 YEARS FOR THIS SPECIFIC ISSUE. WHEN I CALLED BMW THEY WOULD DO NOTHING BECAUSE THE WARRANTY WAS NO LONGER IN EFFECT, EVEN A MILE OVER 70,000. THEY CLEARLY KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THIS VEHICLE AND NEVER PROPERLY REMEDIED A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. MY NORMAL COMMUTE IS ALL FREEWAY. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SERIOUS, IF NOT FATAL ACCIDENT IF IT HAD OCCURRED ON THE FREEWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11375299

60,000 miles · Sep 8, 2020
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or OtherFire

OUR PARKED BMW X3 WAS IN OUR DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF WHEN IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND ALSO CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE AND OUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS WERE ON AND WE REGULARLY SERVICE OUR CAR ONLY WITH CERTIFIED BMW MECHANICS. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY BURNT TO THE GROU…

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OUR PARKED BMW X3 WAS IN OUR DRIVEWAY TURNED OFF WHEN IT SUDDENLY BURST INTO FLAMES AND ALSO CAUGHT OUR HOUSE ON FIRE AND OUR NEIGHBORS HOUSE. THERE IS CURRENTLY NO RECALL ON THIS YEAR AND MODEL. NO ENGINE LIGHTS WERE ON AND WE REGULARLY SERVICE OUR CAR ONLY WITH CERTIFIED BMW MECHANICS. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY BURNT TO THE GROUND. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THE X3 HAS CAUGHT ON FIRE AND BURNT DOWN SOMEONE'S HOME AND YET NO RECALL AND BMW HAS YET TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. WE HAVE EVERYTHING ON OUR SECURITY CAMERAS.

NHTSA ODI #11353777

Official recalls

6

24V608000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

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.

24V527000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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.

23V797000 · Air Bags:frontal

Nov 24, 2023

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, and 2015 X4 xDrive35i vehicles. 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, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 19, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V333000 · Child Seat:latch Strap

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.

14V627000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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.

13V454000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

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

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

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.