Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
90–25K
1325–50K
1150–75K
975–100K
5100–150K
3150K+
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
68,530 miles · Aug 10, 2020
Engine
THE OIL-FEED LINE FOR THE TURBO ON THE (N20) ENGINE OF THE 2014 BMW X3 WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING OIL INTO THE ENGINE. ON COLD STARTUP A PLUME OF BLUE/WHITE SMOKE IS SEEN EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST TAILIPIE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS. THIS BMW X3 HAS THE STANDARD, COMMON N20 ENGINE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW FOR MO…
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THE OIL-FEED LINE FOR THE TURBO ON THE (N20) ENGINE OF THE 2014 BMW X3 WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING OIL INTO THE ENGINE. ON COLD STARTUP A PLUME OF BLUE/WHITE SMOKE IS SEEN EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST TAILIPIE FOR APPROXIMATELY 30 SECONDS. THIS BMW X3 HAS THE STANDARD, COMMON N20 ENGINE. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN ADDRESSED BY BMW FOR MODEL YEARS 2012 AND 2013, BUT NOT 2014. THIS TURBO-OIL LINE FAILURE IS A WELL-KNOWN AND COMMON DEFECT. BMW HAS ISSUED "SERVICE BULLETINS" AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE 2012 AND 2013 MODELS FOR THIS EXPRESS ISSUE. THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS ATTACHED. BMW HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND ARE REFUSING TO COVER THE 2014 MODEL ALTHOUGH IT IS THE SAME ENGINE DEFECT. THE REPAIR PART INCLUDES A REDISIGN OF THE ORIGINAL PART AND NOW INCLUDES A CHECK VALVE. THIS IS A CLEAR EXAMPLE OF DEFECT IN DESIGN. BMW VERBAGE IS LISTED BELOW: THE 'NEW' ENGINE OIL FEED LINE PART NUMBERS LISTED ABOVE INCORPORATES A 'CHECK VALVE' ON THE ENGINE SIDE OF THE ENGINE OIL FEED LINE. THE CHECK VALVE ELIMINATES ENGINE OIL PRESSURE EQUALIZATION AND THE CONSEQUENTIAL ENGINE OIL LEAKAGE PAST THE TURBOCHARGER'S 'EXHAUST SIDE' TURBINE SEAL. ON CONTACT WITH BMW I COULD NOT GET A CLEAR ANSWER WHY THE 2014 MODEL WAS NOT COVERED, BUT I DID GET BMW TO CONFIRM THAT THE ENGINE AND THE ORIGINAL PART ARE IDENTICAL TO THE DEFECT PARTS IN THE 2012 AND 2013 MODEL. WOULD NHTSA OPEN AN INQUIRY ON THE 2014 MODEL N20 TURBO OIL-LINE DEFECT PLEASE? THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
NHTSA ODI #11348440
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2020
Service Brakes
I PURCHASED A VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH FROM BMW ON 12/23/2019 WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT, FOR MYSELF. LITTLE DID I KNOW I WAS BUYING A ROAD HAZARD. IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS A TIRE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK THE VEHICLE A GUY A THE SERVICE DESK RESET THE LIGHT IT NEVER WENT OFF I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE AGAIN TO HAVE …
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I PURCHASED A VEHICLE IN GOOD FAITH FROM BMW ON 12/23/2019 WHAT I THOUGHT WOULD BE A GREAT CHRISTMAS PRESENT, FOR MYSELF. LITTLE DID I KNOW I WAS BUYING A ROAD HAZARD. IN LESS THAN TWO MONTHS A TIRE LIGHT CAME ON, I TOOK THE VEHICLE A GUY A THE SERVICE DESK RESET THE LIGHT IT NEVER WENT OFF I THEN TOOK THE VEHICLE AGAIN TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS A $4600 REPAIR. I WAS TOTALLY TAKEN ABACK. I ADVISED THE DEALERSHIP THAT I WOULD NOT PAY FOR A PROBLEM THAT WAS CLEARLY THERE WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. I TOLD BMW I WOULD NOT PAY FOR THE REPAIR OF $4600, CONSIDERING IT APPEARED TO BE AN UNDERLINE PROBLEM THAT WAS NOT DISCLOSED WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI #11317184
90,000 miles · Dec 18, 2019
Unknown Or Other
WHEN STARTING THE CAR DAILY THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE EXHAUST PIPE ONLY. RESEARCH SHOWS AND BMW CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY OIL LINE HAT IS THE CAUSE AND CAN ALSO EFFECT THE TURBO CHARGE. MY QUESTION IS THAT HIS IS THE EXACT SAME OIL LINE IN OTHER BMW VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN R…
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WHEN STARTING THE CAR DAILY THERE IS A LARGE AMOUNT OF BLUE SMOKE COMING FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE EXHAUST PIPE ONLY. RESEARCH SHOWS AND BMW CONFIRMS THAT THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY OIL LINE HAT IS THE CAUSE AND CAN ALSO EFFECT THE TURBO CHARGE. MY QUESTION IS THAT HIS IS THE EXACT SAME OIL LINE IN OTHER BMW VEHICLES THAT HAVE BEEN RECALLED WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM, THEN WHY IS THIS MODEL WITH THE EXACT SAME PARR &PROBLEM NOT PART OF THE EMISSIONS REDUCTION RECALLS WHEN IT DOING THE IDENTICAL SAME THING. ON COLD MORNINGS FORGET ABOUT IT. THE SMOKE IS SO DENSE THAT IT COVERS THE WHOLE BLOCK. I CAN'T EVEN PARK IN THE GARAGE ANYMORE FROM FEAR OF GETTING DEATHLY ILL AND THE HEADACHES ARE MIND NUMBING. PLEASE EXPLAIN WHY SOME GET RECALLED WITH THE SAME ISSUES? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR TIME LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER. BLESSINGS.
NHTSA ODI #11289785
35,400 miles · Oct 3, 2019
Vehicle Speed Control
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ABOUT 30 MPH AND PULLING UP TO A RED LIGHT AND PRESSED THE BRAKES. THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND I STEPPED ON THE BRAKE. IT STARTED LURCHING FORWARD, ACCELERATING. I HAD TO KILL THE ENGINE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES AND IT'S TERRIFYING.
NHTSA ODI #11265907
27,000 miles · Sep 16, 2019
Air Bags
MY VEHICLE HAS THE ' DEFECTIVE TAKATA AIRBAG ' AND BMW REFUSES TO RECALL AND REPLACE THE AIRBAG.. THEY WOULD RATHER PAY DAMAGES AFTER THE FACT THEN CORRECT THE PROBLEM !
NHTSA ODI #11255725
25,000 miles · Sep 10, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Steering
BMW VEHICLES WITH CHASSIS STABILIZATION MALFUNCTION RELATED TO ELECTRICAL SENSOR IN THE WHEELS LEADING TO VEHICLE STOPPED , NOT RUNNING GOING ON PARKING AUTOMATICALLY, DRIVERS UNABLE TO MANUBRATE THE CAR.MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2500 MILES , AND WAS RUNNING WITHOUT PROBLEMS THAT THEY UNTIL SUDDENLY WENT AUTOMATICALLY INTO PARKIN…
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BMW VEHICLES WITH CHASSIS STABILIZATION MALFUNCTION RELATED TO ELECTRICAL SENSOR IN THE WHEELS LEADING TO VEHICLE STOPPED , NOT RUNNING GOING ON PARKING AUTOMATICALLY, DRIVERS UNABLE TO MANUBRATE THE CAR.MY CAR HAS APPROXIMATELY 2500 MILES , AND WAS RUNNING WITHOUT PROBLEMS THAT THEY UNTIL SUDDENLY WENT AUTOMATICALLY INTO PARKING WHILE DRIVING, PLEASE CHECK ON INTERNET THIS ISSUES GOING ON BMW'S ALL OVER THE WORLD BUT MOSTLY IN USA
NHTSA ODI #11254484
67,475 miles · Jul 29, 2019
Structure
SUN ROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY
NHTSA ODI #11240235
76,000 miles · Apr 20, 2019
Engine
ENGINE BEGAN MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND RAPIDLY WORSENED. ENGINE STARTED LOSING PROPULSION POWER AND I PULLED OVER. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. OIL FILTER INSPECTED AND WAS COVERED IN METAL SHAVINGS. INFORMED THAT THE BMW N20 ENGINE CAN EXPERIENCE A PREMATURE TIMING CHAIN OR OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN FAILURE OUTSID…
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ENGINE BEGAN MAKING CLANKING NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND RAPIDLY WORSENED. ENGINE STARTED LOSING PROPULSION POWER AND I PULLED OVER. CAR TOWED TO MECHANIC. OIL FILTER INSPECTED AND WAS COVERED IN METAL SHAVINGS. INFORMED THAT THE BMW N20 ENGINE CAN EXPERIENCE A PREMATURE TIMING CHAIN OR OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN FAILURE OUTSIDE OF THE LIMITED POWER TRAIN WARRANTY PERIOD AND UNANTICIPATED ENGINE TIMING CHAIN OR OIL PUMP DRIVE CHAIN FAILURE MAY RESULT IN EXTENSIVE ENGINE DAMAGE (APPLICABLE TO MY VEHICLE) AND COULD HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD WHILE DRIVING ON CONGESTED HIGHWAYS. MY ENGINE HAS BEEN DIAGNOSED AS FAILED AND REQUIRES A NEW ENGINE. MY VEHICLE HAD 76,000 MILES AT TIME OF FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11202623
73,000 miles · Mar 18, 2019
Electrical System
RECEIVED MULTIPLE ERROR MESSAGES "BATTERY DISCHARGING WHILE STOPPED" AND "INCREASED BATTERY DISCHARGE". I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. NEXT DAY I RECEIVED ERROR THE TPM HAS MALFUNCTIONED. I CONTACTED MY SERVICING DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. HE STATED HE SEES THIS ALL THE TIME AND THE COST TO REPAIR IS $324 FOR A NEW RDC MODU…
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RECEIVED MULTIPLE ERROR MESSAGES "BATTERY DISCHARGING WHILE STOPPED" AND "INCREASED BATTERY DISCHARGE". I SMELLED BURNING PLASTIC. NEXT DAY I RECEIVED ERROR THE TPM HAS MALFUNCTIONED. I CONTACTED MY SERVICING DEALER AND EXPLAINED THE PROBLEM. HE STATED HE SEES THIS ALL THE TIME AND THE COST TO REPAIR IS $324 FOR A NEW RDC MODULE + ONE HOUR LABOR + TWO HOURS TO REPROGRAM. I REMOVED THE RDC MODULE AND FOUND EXTREME MOISTURE DAMAGE AND MELTED PLASTIC NEAR THE CONNECTOR IN THE MODULE. IN THE ATTACHED PHOTO, I ATTEMPTED TO CLEAN OFF CORROSION. AFTER MORE RESEARCH I FOUND A BMW TRAINING MANUAL DESCRIBING THE MODULE AND IT STATES THE MODULE IS WATER-PROOF.
NHTSA ODI #11189753
37,586 miles · Nov 26, 2018
Engine
DEAR NHTSA, THE OIL-FEED LINE FOR THE TURBO ON THE (N20) ENGINE OF THE 2014 BMW X3 WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING OIL INTO THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS BLOWING WHITE SMOKE WHEN IDLING OR DRIVING, INDICATIVE OF BURNING OIL. THIS BMW X3 HAS THE STANDARD, COMMON N20 ENGINE AND ONLY 37,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY THE REPAIR WAS DONE OUTSI…
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DEAR NHTSA, THE OIL-FEED LINE FOR THE TURBO ON THE (N20) ENGINE OF THE 2014 BMW X3 WAS REPLACED DUE TO LEAKING OIL INTO THE ENGINE. THE CAR WAS BLOWING WHITE SMOKE WHEN IDLING OR DRIVING, INDICATIVE OF BURNING OIL. THIS BMW X3 HAS THE STANDARD, COMMON N20 ENGINE AND ONLY 37,000 MILES. UNFORTUNATELY THE REPAIR WAS DONE OUTSIDE THE STANDARD 4 YEAR WARRANTY PERIOD. YET THIS TURBO-OIL LINE FAILURE IS A WELL-KNOWN AND COMMON DEFECT. BMW HAS ISSUED "SERVICE BULLETINS" AND EXTENDED THE WARRANTY ON THE 2012 AND 2013 MODELS FOR THIS EXPRESS ISSUE. THE SERVICE BULLETIN IS ATTACHED. THEY ARE REFUSING TO COVER THE 2015 MODEL ALTHOUGH IT IS THE SAME ENGINE DEFECT. BY 2015 BMW HAD RE-ENGINEERED THE TURBO- OIL-LINE WITH A BETTER CHECK-VALVE. WOULD NHTSA OPEN AN INQUIRY ON THE 2014 MODEL N20 TURBO OIL-LINE DEFECT PLEASE? SINCERELY, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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