BACK UP CAMERA DISPLAYS BLACK SCREEN WHEN IN REVERSE. THIS IS UNSAFE AND I CAN NOT SEE WHILE IN REVERSING! *TR
2015 BMW X5
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2015 BMW X5 do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 100.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all X5 years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
71 reports with mileage · 81 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.
- Engine. Review the 42 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 30 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Fuel System, Diesel. Review the 20 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
152 reportsMY WIFE STARTED THE CAR (STATIONARY IN HOME DRIVEWAY) AND A CONTINUOUS BUZZING SOUND (ALARM?) FROM THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR STARTED. REAR HATCHBACK DOOR WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY OPEN OR CLOSE. WE HAD TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BELOW THE CAR FU…
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MY WIFE STARTED THE CAR (STATIONARY IN HOME DRIVEWAY) AND A CONTINUOUS BUZZING SOUND (ALARM?) FROM THE REAR HATCHBACK DOOR STARTED. REAR HATCHBACK DOOR WOULD NOT AUTOMATICALLY OPEN OR CLOSE. WE HAD TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOOR. UPON INVESTIGATION, WE FOUND SEVERAL INCHES OF WATER IN THE REAR PASSENGER COMPARTMENT BELOW THE CAR FUSE PANEL. ELECTRIC COMPONENTS AND INSULATION WERE WET/SUBMERGED IN WATER. SERVICE DEPARTMENT AT DEALER SAID THE SUNROOF DRAINS WERE CLOGGED AND WOULD NEED TO REPLACE COMPONENTS AT MY EXPENSE. CAR IS SERVICE AND MAINTAINED BY DEALER AND CURRENTLY UNDER EXTENDED WARRANTY AND SERVICE PLAN. CAR DEALER SAID IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. NOTHING IS THE CAR MANUAL DISCUSSES THE NEED TO INSPECT OR CLEAN SUNROOF DRAINS. SHOULDN'T THIS ELECTRIC COMPARTMENT AND RELATED COMPONENTS SHOULD BE SEALED FROM WATER RELATED ISSUES. *TR
CARPERT FRONT TO BACK IS FULL OF WATER AND MOLD AND WATER IS GROWING EVERY DAY IT RAIN AND BMW WANT TO CHARGE ME TO FIX THIS HORRIBLE DEFECT. I AM VERY SCARE TO DRIVE MY CAR IN THESE CONDITIONS ESPECIALLY WITH THREE KIDS. PLEASE COME AND SEE IT FOR YOUR SELF
GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS [XXX]. I AM THE NEW PURCHASER OF A 2015 BMW 35I X5. I RECENTLY GOT THE SUV AT BOCH TOYOTA IN ATTLEBORO MA ON FEB 8 2020. THE SALESMEN STATED HE COULDN'T REALLY TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE SUVS FEATURES, BECAUSE HE ONLY KNOWS ABOUT TOYOTAS. THE SUV I WAS INTERESTED IN, JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE THE BMW X5 TH…
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GOOD MORNING. MY NAME IS [XXX]. I AM THE NEW PURCHASER OF A 2015 BMW 35I X5. I RECENTLY GOT THE SUV AT BOCH TOYOTA IN ATTLEBORO MA ON FEB 8 2020. THE SALESMEN STATED HE COULDN'T REALLY TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE SUVS FEATURES, BECAUSE HE ONLY KNOWS ABOUT TOYOTAS. THE SUV I WAS INTERESTED IN, JUST SO HAPPENS TO BE THE BMW X5 THAT WAS THERE. I LOOKED OVER EVERYTHING AS FAR AS THE LITTLE KNOWLEDGE I HAVE ABOUT THE FUNCTIONING FEATURES OF THE SUV AND CAME ACROSS AN ISSUE WITH THE BACK UP CAMERA IMAGE NOT APPEARING WHEN U SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE NEW WAY THE IMAGES APPEARS, WITH JUST THE CAR POPS UP BUT THE IMAGES OF THE ACTUAL SURROUNDINGS BEHIND SHOWS JUST A BLACK SCREEN. I ASKED TOYOTA IF THEY CAN HELP ME FIND FIX THIS PROBLEM, AS I JUST GOT THE TRUCK AND WITHOUT KNOWING THE REVERSE CAMERA JUST SO HAPPEN NOT TO WORK, I WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT. THIS OF COURSES WAS AFTER I SIGNED ALL MY PAPER WORK FOR PURCHASE OF THE SUV. I ONLY HAVE A 60 DAY LEMON LAW WARRANTY LEFT NARROWING MY CHANCES TO GETTING THIS FIXED WITHOUT PAYING OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. I WAS VERY POLITE TO THEM AND THEY STARTED TO ATTACK ME. THEY SAID THAT I CAN USE MY BODY TO TURN AROUND AND LOOK WHILE REVERSING AND THAT U DO NOT FAIL A SAFETY INSPECTION FOR THE BACKUP CAMERA. WELL THAT IS BESIDE THE POINT. YOU BUY A TRUCK THAT IS REALLY NOT THAT MUCH OLD, YOU WOULD THINK THE BACKUP CAMERA SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS PROBLEM AND IT COMES WITH THE SUV FOR A REASON. I FEEL LIKE I'M THE ONLY DUMMY THAT PICKED ONE NOT REALIZING IT NEVER WORKED. SINCE THEY WONT EVEN BUDGE AT TRYING TO HELP FIX THIS ISSUE, I HAVE BEEN CALLING PLACES AND GOOGLING AROUND MY OPTIONS BEFORE THE NEXT 30 DAYS IS OVER, THEN I WILL BE STUCK WITH A BLACK BACK UP CAMERA IMAGE. I HAVE SEEN THE RECALLS FOR EVEN THE NEW BMW TRUCKS WITH THE SAME ISSUE THE BACKUP CAMERA IMAGE STAYS STUCK. I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE A ACCIDENT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I RANDOMLY BEGAN SMELLING FUMES IN VEHICLE WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. QUESTIONED MY DA AT CLASSIC BMW OF PLANO. HE SAID NOT AIR OR FUEL FILTER, ALL IS OKAY. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT IN THE CITY OF ROWLETT. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED & INTO A LOT, WOULD NOT CRANK, HAD IT TOWED, DIAGNOSED AS…
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I RANDOMLY BEGAN SMELLING FUMES IN VEHICLE WHEN STOPPED AT TRAFFIC LIGHTS. QUESTIONED MY DA AT CLASSIC BMW OF PLANO. HE SAID NOT AIR OR FUEL FILTER, ALL IS OKAY. A COUPLE MONTHS LATER THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED AT RED LIGHT IN THE CITY OF ROWLETT. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT STARTED & INTO A LOT, WOULD NOT CRANK, HAD IT TOWED, DIAGNOSED AS FUEL INJECTORS. MY HUSBAND ADVISED THERE WAS A RECALL, I QUESTIONED BMW USA, SAID ONLY 2011-2014. I REQUESTED ESCALATION TO CONFIRM NO ISSUES WITH 2015, WAS TOLD NOTHING THEY COULD DUE UNLESS REPORTED BY 'MASTER' TECHNICIAN. I WENT FORWARD WITH $1529 REPAIR OF 1 INJECTOR ALTHOUGH RESEARCH INDICATED ALL 6 SHOULD BE REPLACED IF 1 IS BAD. SA INSISTED NOT NECESSARY. BEGAN SMELLING FUMES AGAIN JAN 2020, EXPECTED ANOTHER FI BAD, DIAGNOSED AS CATALYTIC CONVERTER, RESEARCH INDICATES POSSIBLY CAUSED BY BAD FUEL INJECTORS. WANT TO DOCUMENT BECAUSE EXPECTING OTHERS TO HAVE SAME ISSUES AT 85K+. MY MFG WARRANTY ENDED DEC 2020, CAR IS REGULARLY MAINTAINED BY DEALERSHIP YET THEY SAY NO WAY TO PREVENT. I BELIEVE ISSUES ARE RELATED TO THE START/STOP
THE VEHICLE STARTED TO COLLECT WATER WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE IN THE CAR. IT WAS ONLY UNTIL A UNNOTICEABLE NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I INSPECTED IT AND THE REAR AREA WAS SOAKED WITH WATER. SO BMW THINKS IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO STORE ALOT OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR WERE THE WATER WAS. THEY FIRST CLAIMED THAT IT WAS P…
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THE VEHICLE STARTED TO COLLECT WATER WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE IN THE CAR. IT WAS ONLY UNTIL A UNNOTICEABLE NOISE CAME FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR. I INSPECTED IT AND THE REAR AREA WAS SOAKED WITH WATER. SO BMW THINKS IT IS A GOOD IDEA TO STORE ALOT OF ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT IN THE REAR WERE THE WATER WAS. THEY FIRST CLAIMED THAT IT WAS POSSIBLY CLOGGED DRAINS AND THAT IF THEY WERE CLOGGED, THAT NOTHING WOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE IT WAS "AN OUTSIDE FORCE". AFTER THE INSPECTION, THEY TELL ME THAT A LEAK WAS DISCOVERED AND THAT IT WAS FIXED. BUT NOTHING WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE WATER GOT INTO THE CAR. THEY HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH OLDER MODELS AND DUE TO IT BEING A BAD DESIGN OF THE CAR, REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IT WAS THEIR PROBLEM. I READ THAT THERE WAS A SETTLEMENT BACK IN 2010 AREA AND THAT THEY WERE FOUND LIABLE. THE CAR HAS NOT CHANGED SINCE THEN AND THEY ARE STILL USING THE FLAWED CAR DESIGN IN THE X5. I WAS TOLD THAT TO AVOID FURTHER LEAKS, THAT I SHOULD NOT PARK IT ANYWHERE NEAR TREES OR BUSHES AND PREFERABLY INSIDE. A CAR IN THE 21ST CENTURY SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE KEPT INSIDE TO PREVENT LEAKS FROM OCCURRING. A LOT OF PEOPLE DONT HAVE THE PRIVILEGE TO KEEP THEIR CAR IN A GARAGE 24/7. SOME PEOPLE HAVE TO USE THEIR CARS ON A DAILY BASIS.
MY VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY INJECTOR, SHORTLY AFTER GOT ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION TO FIX THE EXHAUST GAS NOX SENSOR, THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN THE RECALL I RECEIVED FOR ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING : EXHAUST SYSTEM: EMISSION CONTROL: GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE ( EGR VALVE ) DID THIS TRIGGER NEW PROBLEMS FOR MY CAR? IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE SYSTEM…
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MY VEHICLE HAS A FAULTY INJECTOR, SHORTLY AFTER GOT ANOTHER RECOMMENDATION TO FIX THE EXHAUST GAS NOX SENSOR, THIS ALL HAPPENED WITHIN THE RECALL I RECEIVED FOR ENGINE, ENGINE COOLING : EXHAUST SYSTEM: EMISSION CONTROL: GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE ( EGR VALVE ) DID THIS TRIGGER NEW PROBLEMS FOR MY CAR? IT SEEMS LIKE THE WHOLE SYSTEM IS FAILING FOR A CAR THAT IS ONLY 4YRS OLD.
TRAVELING DOWN THE INTERSTATE AT 75 MILES AN HOUR THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED, SHOWERING US WITH GLASS. WE WHERE ON CLEAR ROAD WITH NO TRAFFIC AROUND US AND A TEMPERATURE OF 35 DEGREES. THE BMW IS NOW BEING REPAIRED AT THE LINCOLN DEALERSHIP.
I WAS DRIVING MY BMW X5 ON I-195 WEST BOUND IN FALL RIVER MA. ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019, DRIVING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN THAT SECTION OF HIGHWAY. THE ROADWAY WAS LIGHTLY TRAVELED, MID-MORNING. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES OR TUNNELS IN THIS SECTION OF ROADWAY. I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD "BOOMING" NOISE. THE LARGE, PANORAMIC, MAI…
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I WAS DRIVING MY BMW X5 ON I-195 WEST BOUND IN FALL RIVER MA. ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 2019, DRIVING AT THE POSTED SPEED LIMIT IN THAT SECTION OF HIGHWAY. THE ROADWAY WAS LIGHTLY TRAVELED, MID-MORNING. THERE WERE NO OVERPASSES OR TUNNELS IN THIS SECTION OF ROADWAY. I SUDDENLY HEARD A LOUD "BOOMING" NOISE. THE LARGE, PANORAMIC, MAIN SECTION OF MOONROOF EXPLODED, RIPPING AWAY A SIGNIFICANT SECTION OF GLASS, BLOWING OUT INTO THE AIR AND SOME IMPLODED INTO MAINLY THE RIGHT FRONT SEAT AND BACK SEATS OF THE SUV. I WAS THE SOLE PASSENGER AND WAS NOT INJURED. AT NO TIME WAS THERE A LOSS OF CONTROL. I PULL OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE TO REVIEW THE DAMAGE TO THE MOONROOF AND REST OF THE CAR. IT APPEARED THAT THE DAMAGE WAS CONTAINED TO THE CENTER SECTION OF THE MOONROOF. TO PREVENT ADDITIONAL SHARDS OF GLASS FROM FALLING INTO THE VEHICLE, I CLOSED THE INTERNAL SHADE OF THE MOONROOF, WHICH HAS BEEN OPEN WHEN THE GLASS BROKE APART. I DID NOT DETECT ANY EXTERNAL OBJECT HITTING THE VEHICLE AND CAN ONLY PRESUME THAT THE BREAKAGE WAS TOTALLY SPONTANEOUS. ALSO, WHILE THERE IS A BMW ROOF RACK ON THE CAR, I WAS NOT CARRY ANY SPORTS EQUIPMENT AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THERE ARE TWO SADDLES ON THE RACK FOR CARRYING A KAYAK. I DID NOT CONTACT ANY EMERGENCY OR POLICE. I HAVE NOT SEEN A NEED TO FILE AN ACCIDENT REPORT WITH LOCAL AUTHORITIES. I CONTINUED ONWARD TO AN APPOINTMENT AT A NEARBY LOCATION OUTSIDE OF FALL RIVER AND THEN RETURNED HOME ABOUT AN HOUR LATER. MY REASSESSMENT OF THE DAMAGE WHEN I GOT HOME WAS THE SAME AS THE INITIAL INCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND AM AWAITING A REVIEW BY AN ADJUSTER. IN THE MEANTIME, I HAVE CONTACTED MY LOCAL BMW DEALER TO DISCUSS THE SITUATION. FOR NOW, BMW HAS INDICATED THAT THE DAMAGE IS NOT COVERED. THERE ARE TWO PHOTOS SHOWING A KAYAK. IT IS NOT ON THE CAR, BUT ATTACHED TO A NEARBY WALL IN THE GARAGE OF MY CONDO.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THREE SECONDS AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAI…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED TO ACCELERATE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THREE SECONDS AFTER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS RELEASED. IN ADDITION, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,000.
Official recalls
621V907000 · Fuel System, Diesel
Nov 19, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
21V586000 · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 29, 2021
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
18V755000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:gas Recirculation Valve (egr Valve)
Oct 25, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
16V683000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
Sep 21, 2016
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d 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, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
15V147000 · Air Bags
Mar 13, 2015
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 19, 2014, to February 16, 2015, and 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, X5 sDrive 35i, X5 xDrive 50i, Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) manufactured August 28, 2013, to February 16, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) air bag may not be securely connected to the air bag inflator gas generator.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Without a secure connection to the inflator, the HPS air bags may have insufficient inflation during a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the Head Protection System, free of charge. The recall began on June 24, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
14V650000 · Seats
Oct 17, 2014
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 X5 vehicles manufactured September 12, 2014,to September 21, 2014 and equipped with the optional rear comfort seat. The left rear seat belt attachment point in the affected vehicles may not have been sufficiently welded.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash, the seat belt attachment could break and fail to restrain a seat occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left rear seat frame, free of charge. The recall began November 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or 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
2EA23001 · High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Opened Mar 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Diesel:delivery:fuel Pump
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE21-021 on October 14, 2021, to investigate incidents alleging a stall/loss of motive power as a result of high-pressure fuel pump failures in certain model year (MY) 2019-2020 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 heavy duty trucks equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbodiesel engines. During the investigation, ODI sought to determine if the related defect allegation was limited in scope to the recalled population. After review of information request response materials from both FCA and BMW, NHTSA determined that sufficient information to identify a comprehensive recall population could not be produced by FCA and BMW.During the investigation FCA filed recalls 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087 which include vehicles not identified in the initial subject population by ODI. ODI also received recall 21V586, involving loss of motive power due to failed CP4 fuel pumps on certain BMW manufactured vehicles. An information request letter response received from BMW indicated that failed pumps on their vehicles were caused by an interaction between pump internal components and US market diesel fuel, leading to increased slip and eventual particle-generating wear surface. Additional work will be done to identify whether a similar root cause is associated with the FCA recalled population and if similar wear dynamics occur on pumps supplied to vehicle manufacturers other than those included in the recalled population.ODI has upgraded this investigation to an EA in order to 1) determine engineering specifications of internal pump components that are correlated with pump failure leading to loss of motive power or other safety related hazards, 2) identify vehicle populations equipped with alleged defective pump variants, 3) assess if vehicles equipped with alleged defective pump variants result in an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety and 4) gather and review any other relevant information related to high pressure fuel pump failure associated with the subject populations of recalls 21V586, 21V880, 21E094, 22V406, 22E048, 22V767, and 22E087.Review of the above information will allow NHTSA to confirm root cause and recall remedy viability, and identify and evaluate vehicle populations equipped with pump components that may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety.The ODI reports cited above can be reviewed at: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID using the following complaint identification numbers: 11257550, 11351441, 11361603, 11361616, 11365300, 11365426, 11365858, 11366401, 11372337, 11373793, 11374797, 11376793, 11377871, 11378173, 11384377, 11386063, 11387018, 11399710, 11402550, 11415339, 11418868, 11418870, 11427075, 11434276, 11436807, 11437226, 11437249, 11437273, 11437292, 11437294, 11437394, 11437399, 11437403, 11437405, 11437423, 11437528, 11437565, 11437579, 11437580, 11437590, 11437679, 11437744, 11437781, 11437842, 11437993, 11438006, 11438008, 11438121, 11438138, 11438155, 11438392, 11438629, 11439359, 11439879, 11440397, 11443030, 11446542, 11448163, 11453556, 11458918, 11460558, 11469337
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.
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