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2014 BMW 328I

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2014 BMW 328I do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 98.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

83 reports with mileage · 68 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 52 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine And Engine Cooling. Review the 29 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports2 fire reports12 injury reports

Power Train complaints

9 reports
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39,800 miles · Sep 28, 2023
Power Train

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 55 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the rear differential, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back the dealer who later determined that the…

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The contact owns a 2014 BMW 328I. The contact stated while driving at speeds above 55 MPH, the rear end of the vehicle was shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who replaced the rear differential, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back the dealer who later determined that the transfer case was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was also informed that the suspension arms and bushing also needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was 39,800.

NHTSA ODI #11547050

62,000 miles · Mar 25, 2022
EnginePower Train

2014 BMW 328i Xdrive, 62K miles. Routine oil change and filter change serviced at BMW dealership Feb 2022. March 2022 (<30 days later), suffered catastrophic engine failure related to camshaft oil starvation and sudden loss of power while driving on highway at 60 mph. Dealership investigation unable to determine the cause, ruled…

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2014 BMW 328i Xdrive, 62K miles. Routine oil change and filter change serviced at BMW dealership Feb 2022. March 2022 (<30 days later), suffered catastrophic engine failure related to camshaft oil starvation and sudden loss of power while driving on highway at 60 mph. Dealership investigation unable to determine the cause, ruled out N20 timing chain and oil pump chain issues. Neither BMW NA nor dealership would stand behind engine failure - BMW NA stated the "car is too old." Full engine replacement completed at the expense of the customer ($11K). Very disappointing that an engine would suffer catastrophic failure related to oil starvation within one month of dealership oil service with multi-point inspection. BMW F30 N20 engines have numerous reports of failures.

NHTSA ODI #11458365

70,000 miles · Nov 28, 2020
Power Train

WAS EXPERIENCING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR WHILE ACCELERATING AND DE ACCELERATING, BROUGHT TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSFER CASE, WAS ALSO TOLD THIS ISSUE WAS ABNORMAL WITH MY CAR HAVING LESS MILES THAN INTENDED FOR WHAT YEAR IT WAS. THEY ALSO SAID EVENTUALLY MY AWD FUNCTION WOULD NO LONG…

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WAS EXPERIENCING AN ABNORMAL NOISE FROM THE MIDDLE OF THE CAR WHILE ACCELERATING AND DE ACCELERATING, BROUGHT TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW TRANSFER CASE, WAS ALSO TOLD THIS ISSUE WAS ABNORMAL WITH MY CAR HAVING LESS MILES THAN INTENDED FOR WHAT YEAR IT WAS. THEY ALSO SAID EVENTUALLY MY AWD FUNCTION WOULD NO LONGER WORK IF NOT REPLACED IN MY 328I XDRIVE

NHTSA ODI #11376879

20 miles · Mar 13, 2018
EnginePower Train

CAR STALLED ON THE FREEWAY. DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION ERROR APPEARED ON THE CAR'S INFO DISPLAYED AND THEN THE CAR STOPPED COMPLETELY. IT WOULD NOT START AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. MY LIFE WAS IN DANGER SINCE MY CAR LOST POWER IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FREEWAY AT NIGHT. GAS TANK WAS ABOVE ONE QUARTER.

NHTSA ODI #11078844

27,564 miles · Feb 21, 2017
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2014 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A DIAGNOSTIC CODE FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION.…

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TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2014 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND FAILED TO RESPOND. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE UPDATED. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A DIAGNOSTIC CODE FOR THE DRIVE TRAIN MALFUNCTION. THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,564. UPDATED 05/31/17*LJ *CN

NHTSA ODI #10956084

50,000 miles · Aug 23, 2016
Power TrainCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, IT SLIPPED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND PINNED THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE BUMPER OF AN INDUSTRIAL BOX TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE GEAR SHIFTER WAS PLACED IN THE PARK POSITION, IT SLIPPED OUT OF THE PARK POSITION INTO NEUTRAL INDEPENDENTLY AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL AND PINNED THE CONTACT BETWEEN THE VEHICLE AND THE BUMPER OF AN INDUSTRIAL BOX TRUCK. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND UNKNOWN INJURIES WERE SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE DEALER BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10897907

10,615 miles · Sep 11, 2015
EnginePower Train

DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN ENGINE GIVES OUT AND CAR GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 76 MPH AND SUDDENLY IT GOES TO 60 MPH, I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE POWER. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DRIVE BUT DOES NOT GO OVER 60 MPH, SHUDDERS AND SHAKES THE ACCE…

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DRIVING DOWN THE FREEWAY AND ALL OF THE SUDDEN ENGINE GIVES OUT AND CAR GOES INTO "LIMP MODE" CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET AT 76 MPH AND SUDDENLY IT GOES TO 60 MPH, I ALMOST GOT REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE AS I HAD NO CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE POWER. VEHICLE CONTINUES TO DRIVE BUT DOES NOT GO OVER 60 MPH, SHUDDERS AND SHAKES THE ACCELERATION IS VERY MILD TO PUT IT LIGHTLY. POSES A MAJOR SAFETY RISK. THIS IS 3RD THAT THAT IT HAS HAPPENED TO THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS WELL DOCUMENTED UNDER BMW 328I (2012 - ONWARDS) FORUMS HTTP://F30.BIMMERPOST.COM/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?T=776020 DEALER REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING.

NHTSA ODI #10763174

10,000 miles · Oct 28, 2014
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train

ON INTERSTATE 10, DURING THE ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY LOST ITS POWER. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER BEFORE I LOST THE MOMENTUM.THE CA HIGHWAY PATROL PUSHED ME TO A SAFE PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ALMOST 20 DAYS AFTER AGAIN DURING TH…

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ON INTERSTATE 10, DURING THE ACCELERATION, THE ENGINE COMPLETELY LOST ITS POWER. I HAD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER BEFORE I LOST THE MOMENTUM.THE CA HIGHWAY PATROL PUSHED ME TO A SAFE PLACE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE ENTIRE FUEL TANK. THE SECOND INCIDENT WAS ALMOST 20 DAYS AFTER AGAIN DURING THE ACCELERATION ON FREEWAY AT THE SPEED OF 70, THE ENGINE LOST ITS POWER IN A WAY THAT THE CAR DID NOT PROCEED FOR A WHILE. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT IT WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH ENGINE BECAUSE THEY COULD NOT READ ANY ERROR IN THE SYSTEM AND II HAD TO WAIT TILL I RECEIVE AN ERROR ON THE LCD. I NOTIFIED THEM THAT IT IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM SPECIFICALLY ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE LOSS OF POWER CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT, BUT TO NO AVAIL. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10650556

2,200 miles · Nov 4, 2013
Power Train

I WAS MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND GOT INTO THE PASSING LANE. I THEN SHIFTED FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND LOSE POWER (LIMP HOME MODE). THE DISPLAY SAID DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, DRIVE MODERATELY, ETC. AND THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP CAME ON. I SHIFTED TO 5TH GEAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD HELP AND HAD THE SAME LOW P…

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I WAS MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE AND GOT INTO THE PASSING LANE. I THEN SHIFTED FROM 3RD GEAR TO 4TH AND THE CAR STARTED TO SHAKE AND LOSE POWER (LIMP HOME MODE). THE DISPLAY SAID DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION, DRIVE MODERATELY, ETC. AND THE CHECK ENGINE LAMP CAME ON. I SHIFTED TO 5TH GEAR TO SEE IF IT WOULD HELP AND HAD THE SAME LOW POWER ISSUE. I THEN CHANGED TWO LANES TO GET ONTO THE SHOULDER. I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND WAITED BRIEFLY AND RESTARTED THE CAR. THE LAMPS WERE OFF AND THERE WAS NO ISSUE. I PHONED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THEY GET THIS TYPE OF CALL OFTEN AND IT IS A 'NORMAL GLITCH.' I SHOULD DRIVE IT AND SEE IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN AS IT USUALLY DOESN'T OR I COULD BRING THE CAR IN. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10550798

Official recalls

8

25V871000 · Air Bags:side/window:head

Dec 17, 2025

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 12, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

Aug 13, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Engine And Engine Cooling:cooling System:pump

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.

Consequence: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

Jul 11, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2015 6 Series Gran Coupe, 2014 5 Series Gran Turismo, 2014 5 Series Sedan, 2015 6 Series Convertible, 2015 6 Series Coupe, 2014 X5, 2013-2014 X3, 2014-2015 3 Series Sedan, 2014 4 Series Coupe, 2014 4 Series Convertible, 2014 3 Series Gran Turismo, and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe vehicles. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models. The driver's air bag inflator may explode during deployment, due to a manufacturing defect.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, increasing the risk of injury or death.

Remedy: The driver's front air bag will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

24V288000 · Air Bags:side/window

Apr 24, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator that ruptures may cause sharp metal fragments to enter or exit the vehicle, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, an inflator that leaks gas may only partially inflate during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the head air bags, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

15V520000 · Exterior Lighting

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.

15V189000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Mar 31, 2015

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the vehicle may stall without warning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owners were mailed interim notices on May 28, 2015. The recall began on July 6, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

Oct 7, 2014

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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

Sep 26, 2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.

Consequence: A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA21002 · Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Opened Sep 17, 2021 · No close date supplied

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

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

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

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

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

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

PE13030 · Loss Of Power Assist Braking

Opened Sep 6, 2013 · Closed Oct 25, 2013

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

In a letter dated September 26, 2013, BMW Group submitted a safety recall notice to NHTSA identifying a defect condition in the vacuum pump oil supply that may result in loss of power assist braking in 76,191 model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 BMW 3-Series, 5-Series, X1 SAV, X3 SAV, and Z4 vehicles equipped with 4-cylinder engines (NHTSA Recall 13V-454).According to BMW, movement of the seal disk within the camshaft may result in blocking of the oil supply to the vacuum pump, resulting in improper pump operation and loss of power assist braking.On July 11, 2013, BMW initiated a change to the camshaft geometry that prevented the seal disk from blocking the oil port.BMW has not received any braking complaints related to loss of power assist after the design change was implemented in production.The owners of all affected vehicles will be contacted by mail and asked to take their vehicle to a BMW dealer who will install a locking ring into the camshaft to keep the seal disk in its proper location.BMW expects to begin dealer and owner notification in November 2013 and complete dealer and owner notification in December when the remedy is expected to be available.Based on the actions taken by BMW, this investigation is closed.