NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
92 reportsClear category filter49,451 miles · Dec 3, 2017
Engine
I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH $7000 DOWN AND THE FIRST WEEK THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" WARNING CAME ON AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THEY SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH THE TURBO. IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 2 YEARS AND MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES FOR A "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION". I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC MOST O…
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I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE WITH $7000 DOWN AND THE FIRST WEEK THE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION" WARNING CAME ON AS I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY. THEY SAID IT HAD TO DO WITH THE TURBO. IT HAS BEEN LESS THAN 2 YEARS AND MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 7 TIMES FOR A "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION". I HAVE HAD TO PULL OVER IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC MOST OF THE TIME OFF THE FREEWAY. AND, AGAIN TODAY (12/3/2017) I WAS ENTERING THE FREEWAY AND ALSO HIT A SEMI WHEN MY CAR LOST POWER DUE TO THE DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI #11052102
80,000 miles · Sep 6, 2017
Engine
TRAVELLING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I GOT A MESSAGE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION". BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STOP, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN COVER BROKE OFF AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGED THE ENGINE. IT WILL COST ME $8300 TO REPAIR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS HA…
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TRAVELLING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY I GOT A MESSAGE "DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION". BEFORE I WAS ABLE TO STOP, THE CAR SHUT DOWN. IT WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME THE PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN COVER BROKE OFF AND PERMANENTLY DAMAGED THE ENGINE. IT WILL COST ME $8300 TO REPAIR. AFTER SOME RESEARCH, I FOUND OTHERS HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AND THAT BMW HAS SINCE CHANGED THE DESIGN.
NHTSA ODI #11021700
29,600 miles · Aug 14, 2017
Engine
ON 6/5/2017 I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN THE AFTERNOON AT ABOUT 65 MPH (WHICH IS A LEGAL SPEED LIMIT) WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING, SHAKING AND SLOWING DOWN AND A MESSAGE CAME ON SAYING "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION." I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO TOLD ME TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE CAR FOR 5 MINUT…
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ON 6/5/2017 I WAS DRIVING ON A VERY BUSY GARDEN STATE PARKWAY IN THE AFTERNOON AT ABOUT 65 MPH (WHICH IS A LEGAL SPEED LIMIT) WHEN MY CAR STARTED SHUDDERING, SHAKING AND SLOWING DOWN AND A MESSAGE CAME ON SAYING "DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION." I IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY HUSBAND WHO TOLD ME TO PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF THE CAR FOR 5 MINUTES. HE MANAGED TO CALM ME DOWN. WHEN I RESTARTED THE CAR, THE MESSAGE WAS GONE AND IT DROVE OK. I WAS VERY SCARED TO DRIVE IT BUT THE MESSAGE HAS NOT COME BACK. INSTEAD MY HUSBAND'S BMW X3 2013 HAD THE SAME MESSAGE 2 MONTHS LATER AND HE WAS ALSO ON THE HIGHWAY DURING THE INCIDENT. BMW SERVICE TOLD HIM THAT THE PROBLEM IS THE TIMING BELT. WE WERE READING ALL THE COMPLAINTS AND PRIMARILY THEY ARE ABOUT THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION - IT HAS A FAULTY PLASTIC PART, WHICH SINCE 2015 WAS REPLACED BY A METAL PART. I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE OF A VERY BUSY HIGHWAY AND I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED (AND MY HUSBAND TOO). WHAT DOES IT TAKE FOR BMW OR NHTSA TO ISSUE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM - A DEATH OR FEW?
NHTSA ODI #11015062
71,000 miles · May 23, 2017
Engine
TIMING CHAIN IS MAKING A WHINE AND A RATTLE SOUND WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE N20 ENGINE (TWIN TURBO 4 CYLINDER) IN THIS CAR ANY MANY OTHER BMW VEHICLES TIMING CHAINS ARE KNOWN TO STRETCH AND BREAK ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL BROWN/DARK ORANGE COLOR PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL. THE TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL WAS MADE OUT OF A DEFE…
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TIMING CHAIN IS MAKING A WHINE AND A RATTLE SOUND WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING. THE N20 ENGINE (TWIN TURBO 4 CYLINDER) IN THIS CAR ANY MANY OTHER BMW VEHICLES TIMING CHAINS ARE KNOWN TO STRETCH AND BREAK ALONG WITH THE ORIGINAL BROWN/DARK ORANGE COLOR PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL. THE TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL WAS MADE OUT OF A DEFECTIVE PLASTIC UNTIL AROUND 1/1/15 WHEN BMW REALIZED THERE WERE OWNERS HAVING CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE NOT IF THE CHAIN BREAKS, BUT WHEN. THE ONLY REPAIR IF THE ENGINE FAILS IS TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AT A COST OF APPROX. $12K AND $8K IN LABOR TOTALING ABOUT $20K WHICH EXCEEDS THE VALUE OF MY VEHICLE. VEHICLES WITH THIS ENGINE MANUFACTURED AFTER 1/1/15 HAVE THE REDESIGNED MORE DURABLE WHITE PLASTIC TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL ALLOWING THE ENGINE TO RUN SMOOTHER AND WITHOUT THE RISK OF ENGINE CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. THERE IS A GRAVE SAFETY RISK FOR OWNERS WITH THIS ENGINE WITH THE ORIGINAL PRE-2015 TIMING CHAIN & GUARD RAIL DESIGN BECAUSE IF YOU ARE TRAVELING IN NORMAL TRAFFIC OR ATTEMPTING TO CROSS A TRAIN TRACK OR OTHER DANGEROUS INTERSECTIONS, OCCUPANTS CAN BE KILLED AS A RESULT OF THE VEHICLE STALLING. CONTACTED BMW NORTH AMERICA ON 5/19/17 REGARDING THE ISSUE AND HAD THE VEHICLE INSPECTED BY MY LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP WHO INDICATED THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE TOTAL COST TO REPLACE MY ORIGINAL TIMING CHAIN AND TIMING CHAIN GUARD RAIL WITH THE RE-DESIGNED VERSION WOULD COST $4600 WITH PARTS & LABOR. BMW USA AND THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO COVER THE COST AND DENIED THIS IMPORTANT SAFETY DEFECT. I ALSO PROVIDED THEM A COPY OF A WEB LINK WITH A YOUTUBE VIDEO OF THE ISSUE NARRATED BY AN INDEPENDENT BMW TECHNICIAN EXPLAINING THE DEFECT. SEE THE LINK BELOW WHICH CONTAINS PHOTOS AND THE YOUTUBE VIDEO RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. HTTPS://BMWTECHNICIAN.COM/2016/08/07/N20-TIMING-CHAIN-ISSUE/
NHTSA ODI #10991176
45,000 miles · May 12, 2017
EngineWheelsFire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCT…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY DRIFTED FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WHEELS NEEDED TO BE ALIGNED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER A THIRD TIME, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V454000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING OIL ODOR AND NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT DROVE HOME AND DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VACUUM PUMP FAILED, WAS LEAKING, AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
NHTSA ODI #10985416
38,980 miles · Apr 27, 2017
Engine
WHILE DRIVING CAR COMPLETELY STALLED OUT FOR NO SPECIFIC REASON. THIS OCCURRED ON FREEWAY WITH CARS ALL AROUND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO COAST TO SHOULDER. CHECKED ON BOARD VEHICLE STATUS ALL CHECKED "OK". AFTER A SHORT TIME CAR STARTED RIGHT UP DROVE IT HOME AND NEXT MORNING IT STALLED OUT AGAIN WHILE ON A CITY STREET. THIS T…
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WHILE DRIVING CAR COMPLETELY STALLED OUT FOR NO SPECIFIC REASON. THIS OCCURRED ON FREEWAY WITH CARS ALL AROUND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO COAST TO SHOULDER. CHECKED ON BOARD VEHICLE STATUS ALL CHECKED "OK". AFTER A SHORT TIME CAR STARTED RIGHT UP DROVE IT HOME AND NEXT MORNING IT STALLED OUT AGAIN WHILE ON A CITY STREET. THIS TIME UNABLE TO PUT INTO NEUTRAL, ELECTRONICS WORKED, HAD TO FLAT , HAD TO FLAT BED IT TO THE DEALER. THIS MAKES THIS CAR DANGEROUS AND UNRELIABLE. CAR IS CURRENTLY IN FOR REPAIRS. ATTACHED IS THE RECOMMENDED SERVICES HAVE NOT RECEIVED COMPLETED WORK REPORT.
NHTSA ODI #10981053
47,500 miles · Feb 13, 2017
Engine
WHILE I WAS ON STANBY WAITING FOR SOMEBODY TO MOVE OUT OF SPOT SO I CAN PARK AND MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES THE ENGINE REVED UP ABOVE THE 6000 RPM ON ITS OWN.
NHTSA ODI #10954323
Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2016
Air BagsEngine
IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY VALVE CAM, WELL JUST LOOKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS NEVER REPORTED TO ME AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE - I AM LOOKING AT PAYING OVER 1700 FOR A VALVE COVER (LABOR AND MATERIAL). MY AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON IN JULY AND I AM TOLD THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER RECALL - WHEN I TO…
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IT SEEMS THAT I HAVE DAMAGE TO MY VALVE CAM, WELL JUST LOOKED UP AND THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT WAS NEVER REPORTED TO ME AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE - I AM LOOKING AT PAYING OVER 1700 FOR A VALVE COVER (LABOR AND MATERIAL). MY AIR BAG LIGHTS CAME ON IN JULY AND I AM TOLD THAT MY VIN IS NOT UNDER RECALL - WHEN I TOOK TO MECHANIC I WAS TOLD TO TAKE TO BMW TO HAVE ADDED TO RECALL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10919303
64,523 miles · May 21, 2015
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other
OIL SEEPING INTO THE TURBO SYSTEM CAUSING MODERATE TO HEAVY WHITE SMOKE FROM EXHAUST AT COLD START UP ONLY.
NHTSA ODI #10717822
10,547 miles · Jul 7, 2014
EngineService Brakes
THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK 3X IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS FOR THE SAME ISSUE THE CAR TURNS OFF BY ITSELF WHEN STOPPED. BMW DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS OR REASONS FOR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF.. THEY SHUT OFF THE FEATURE AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF... ON THE MORNING OF JULY 3, 2014, AS I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT …
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THE CAR HAS BEEN TAKEN BACK 3X IN THE PAST 3 MONTHS FOR THE SAME ISSUE THE CAR TURNS OFF BY ITSELF WHEN STOPPED. BMW DEALERSHIP COULD NOT FIND ANY MECHANICAL PROBLEMS OR REASONS FOR ENGINE SHUTTING OFF.. THEY SHUT OFF THE FEATURE AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO SHUT OFF... ON THE MORNING OF JULY 3, 2014, AS I WAS COMING TO A RED LIGHT THE BRAKE PEDALS GOT VERY HARD AND I HAD TO PUSH THE PEDALS ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR FOR THE CAR TO STOP COMPLETELY. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY IN THE SHOP BEING CHECKED OUT. I CALLED BMW TO FIND OUT WHAT CAN BE DONE, I DONT FEEL SAFE IN THIS CAR ANYMORE. *JS
NHTSA ODI #10608683
Official recalls
5Aug 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.
Jan 15, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
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: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Aug 17, 2015
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, and ActiveHybrid3 vehicles manufactured October 20, 2011, to June 22, 2015, 2014-2015 328xi Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured March 21, 2013, to March 17, 2015, 2014-2015 328d, 328xd vehicles manufactured June 28, 2013, to April 21, 2015, and 2014-2015 328xd Sports Wagon vehicles manufactured July 5, 2013, to April 21, 2015. The affected vehicles may have been programmed with new software that inadvertently makes the front side marker lights inoperative in conjunction with the parking lights or the headlights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will upload revised software to correct the issue, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
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
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: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.
Sep 26, 2013
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.Consequently, all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=EA21002 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking
Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum
In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.
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