NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
151 reports110,000 miles · Sep 11, 2019
Fuel/propulsion System
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. WHILE DRIVING TO REEVES BMW (109 E FOWLER AVE, TAMPA, FL 36612, …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 328I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED, IT RESUMED NORMAL OPERATION. WHILE DRIVING TO REEVES BMW (109 E FOWLER AVE, TAMPA, FL 36612, THE FAILURE OCCURRED TWO MORE TIMES. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS CURRENTLY BEING REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 110,000.
NHTSA ODI #11254628
110,000 miles · Jul 30, 2019
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION DUE TO A SENSOR MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AS SOON AS I BEGIN DRIVING, THE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE BEGINS AND REPEATS CONSTANTLY AS I DRIVE. THIS MALFUNCTION DISABLES ALL OF THE FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARS IN THE NAVIGATION SCREEN REPEATEDLY WHEN DRIVING. IT IS …
Read full complaint
CRUISE CONTROL MALFUNCTION DUE TO A SENSOR MALFUNCTION IN THE STEERING COLUMN. AS SOON AS I BEGIN DRIVING, THE MALFUNCTION MESSAGE BEGINS AND REPEATS CONSTANTLY AS I DRIVE. THIS MALFUNCTION DISABLES ALL OF THE FEATURES ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARS IN THE NAVIGATION SCREEN REPEATEDLY WHEN DRIVING. IT IS DISTRACTING AND PREVENTS ME FROM USING HANDS FREE FUNCTIONS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE DEALER ADVISES IT IS $1,000 TO REPAIR. I NEVER USED THE CRUISE CONTROL, NOR DO I NEED IT.
NHTSA ODI #11240731
65,000 miles · Jul 12, 2019
Tires
I HAVE HAD 5 BLOWOUTS AND 1 TIRE HAS A BUBBLE(ABOUT TO BLOW OUT) IN 13 MONTHS. I HAVE 2 SETS OF WHEELS. THE BRIDGESTONE DRIVEGUARD TIRES HAVE HAD ALL OF THE PROBLEMS. NOT ONE PROBLEM WITH MY MICHELINS. I DRIVE ON THE SAME ROADS WITH BOTH SETS. THE SIDEWALLS ARE EXTREMELY WEAK ON THE BRIDGESTONE. IN 26 YEARS OF DRIVING, THESE AR…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD 5 BLOWOUTS AND 1 TIRE HAS A BUBBLE(ABOUT TO BLOW OUT) IN 13 MONTHS. I HAVE 2 SETS OF WHEELS. THE BRIDGESTONE DRIVEGUARD TIRES HAVE HAD ALL OF THE PROBLEMS. NOT ONE PROBLEM WITH MY MICHELINS. I DRIVE ON THE SAME ROADS WITH BOTH SETS. THE SIDEWALLS ARE EXTREMELY WEAK ON THE BRIDGESTONE. IN 26 YEARS OF DRIVING, THESE ARE THE ONLY TIRES THAT I HAVE GOTTEN A BLOWOUT WITH, AND 5 IN ONE YEAR.
NHTSA ODI #11231507
71,000 miles · Jul 12, 2019
Fuel/propulsion SystemService BrakesStructureInjury
MY 2014 SURGED AUTOMATICALLY IN A PARKING LOT AND THE BRAKES FAILED REPEATEDLY: IT TOOK ME OVER THE 4" CEMENT PARKING LOT STOPPER AND INTO A WALL! THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP! IWILL SAY THAT JUST BEFORE I HAD BACKED OUT VERY SLOWLY AS I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I HIT SOMETHIG, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THEN PUT C…
Read full complaint
MY 2014 SURGED AUTOMATICALLY IN A PARKING LOT AND THE BRAKES FAILED REPEATEDLY: IT TOOK ME OVER THE 4" CEMENT PARKING LOT STOPPER AND INTO A WALL! THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY THE VEHICLE WOULD STOP! IWILL SAY THAT JUST BEFORE I HAD BACKED OUT VERY SLOWLY AS I WAS IN A PARKING LOT. I HIT SOMETHIG, PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THEN PUT CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL A FEW FEET BACK INTO THE PARKING SPOT. I USED VERY LITTLE GAS, NOT NECESSARY OF COURSE. BMW ENGINEERS EXAMINED IT AND FOUND NO ERROR ACCORDING TO THEIR THREE STANDARD TESTS. I WAS TOLD THAT THEIR TESTS "MAY NOT RECORD SOMETHING," "COULD NOT DUPLICATE MY CONCERNS," AND THAT IT WOULD TAKE "A MORE SEVERE IMPACT TO RECORD SOMETHING." NOTHING COULD BE TESTED OR RECORDED FOR SPEEDS UNDER 35 MILES PER HOUR. I GOT A CONCUSSION AND THE INCIDENT COST $ 17,000 (PLUS LOSS OF CAR VALUE). BMW DID NOTHING FOR ME SO I AM OUT OF A BMW FOR GOOD. I HAD JUST PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE TO PULL BACK INTO THE PARKING SPACE I WAS IN. IN ALL FAIRNESS I DID HIT SOMETHING, STOPPED, FOOT ON BRAKE PUT IT IN DRIVE. THERE IS NO WAY IT OUTGHT TO HAVE SURGED OUT OF CONTROL OR FAILED TO STOP. I WAS GOING LESS THAN 5 MPH. BMW WILL DO NOTHING FOR ME EXCEPT GIVE ME A COURTESY DISCOUNT ON A DIFFERENT BMW ONCE I'VE PURCHASED IT. THEIR DEALERS HAVE OFFERED ME LESS THAN COMPETITORS. I WON'T BUY ANOTHER ONE. ## VIN PASSED ## BMW 328I2014 ##
NHTSA ODI #11231493
Mileage unknown · Apr 24, 2019
Air BagsSeats
WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING OR A PASSENGER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF THE CAR SAYS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR WHICH IS GOING TO BE $800 TO FIX THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF MULTIPLE OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THI…
Read full complaint
WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING OR A PASSENGER SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT OF THE CAR SAYS AIRBAG SYSTEM MALFUNCTION I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR WHICH IS GOING TO BE $800 TO FIX THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY BMW THAT THEY ARE WELL AWARE OF MULTIPLE OWNERS ARE HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY IN MY VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY
NHTSA ODI #11203519
10,000 miles · Jan 16, 2019
Structure
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT RELIABLY (I.E. <50% OF THE TIME) OPEN FROM THE INSIDE USING THE DOOR HANDLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. INSTEAD I HAVE TO PRESS THE CENTRAL UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD (AN ELECTRICAL MECHANISM) TO UNLOCK THE DOOR PRIOR TO BEING ABLE TO OPEN IT WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM …
Read full complaint
THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOES NOT RELIABLY (I.E. <50% OF THE TIME) OPEN FROM THE INSIDE USING THE DOOR HANDLE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. INSTEAD I HAVE TO PRESS THE CENTRAL UNLOCK BUTTON ON THE DASHBOARD (AN ELECTRICAL MECHANISM) TO UNLOCK THE DOOR PRIOR TO BEING ABLE TO OPEN IT WITH THE DOOR HANDLE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS AND IS A MASSIVE SAFETY RISK - E.G. IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT THE DRIVER MIGHT BE UNABLE TO EXIT THE CAR.
NHTSA ODI #11170288
71,000 miles · Dec 29, 2018
Exterior Lighting
WAS GETTING WARNINGS ABOUT LEFT REAR BRAKE AND TURN LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONING FOR MONTHS THAT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN GO AWAY. ON CHRISTMAS DAY THE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN LIGHT FOR LEFT REAR CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WENT AND BOUGHT BULBS TO REPLACE THEM SINCE AT THAT POINT THE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER WORKING (INSTEAD OF A WARNING THAT WO…
Read full complaint
WAS GETTING WARNINGS ABOUT LEFT REAR BRAKE AND TURN LIGHTS MALFUNCTIONING FOR MONTHS THAT WOULD TURN ON AND THEN GO AWAY. ON CHRISTMAS DAY THE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN LIGHT FOR LEFT REAR CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I WENT AND BOUGHT BULBS TO REPLACE THEM SINCE AT THAT POINT THE LIGHTS WERE NO LONGER WORKING (INSTEAD OF A WARNING THAT WOULD COME ON THEN GO RIGHT BACK OFF ONCE THE BRAKE WAS PRESSED OR LEFT TURN SIGNAL WAS USED). I TOOK THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY OFF TO REPLACE THE BULBS AND ONCE I DISCONNECTED THE WIRING HARNESS I DISCOVERED THAT THE GROUND PIN WAS MELTED OFF THE TAIL LIGHT SIDE OF THE CONNECTOR AND STUCK INTO THE WIRING HARNESSES. I HAVE NEVER MADE AN NHTSA COMPLAINT BEFORE, BUT FELT THIS WAS DANGEROUS BETWEEN THE FACT THAT 1 IT PULLED ENOUGH CURRENT TO MELT THE WIRING PIN INTO THE HARNESS AND 2 I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LOST REAR BRAKE TAIL AND TURN LIGHTS ON THE LEFT SIDE.
NHTSA ODI #11163977
61,533 miles · Dec 11, 2018
Air BagsEngineExterior Lighting
FAULT IN AIRBAG ON SCREEN, COMES ON AND OFF. STARTED AROUND 61,513 MILES. EXACT MESSAGE "FAULT IN AIRBAG, BELT RENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FEW DAYS LATER, CHECK ENGINE COMES ON, ALONG WITH HIGH RPM'S, WHILE STRUGGLING TO ACCELERATE. 12/10/2018 ENGINE IS EXTREMELY LOUD AND DROPPING OFF AT DEALER. ALSO BACK TAIL LIGHTS HAVE…
Read full complaint
FAULT IN AIRBAG ON SCREEN, COMES ON AND OFF. STARTED AROUND 61,513 MILES. EXACT MESSAGE "FAULT IN AIRBAG, BELT RENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. FEW DAYS LATER, CHECK ENGINE COMES ON, ALONG WITH HIGH RPM'S, WHILE STRUGGLING TO ACCELERATE. 12/10/2018 ENGINE IS EXTREMELY LOUD AND DROPPING OFF AT DEALER. ALSO BACK TAIL LIGHTS HAVE MOISTURE, BACK PASSENGER WAS REPLACED A YEAR AGO. DRIVER SIDE NOW NEEDS REPLACING.
NHTSA ODI #11160759
68,000 miles · Nov 11, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY STEERING, ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS ON MY 2014 328I. THERE IS A STEERING COLUMN PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSING MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS TO RANDOMLY STOP WORKING AT TIMES WHEN I'M DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD IT TESTED AND THEY SAID IT'S A 6 PIN STEEEING COLUMN ISSUE. IT'S CAU…
Read full complaint
THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH MY STEERING, ELECTRICAL AND LIGHTS ON MY 2014 328I. THERE IS A STEERING COLUMN PROBLEM THAT IS CAUSING MY ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AND MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS TO RANDOMLY STOP WORKING AT TIMES WHEN I'M DRIVING MY CAR DOWN THE ROAD. I HAD IT TESTED AND THEY SAID IT'S A 6 PIN STEEEING COLUMN ISSUE. IT'S CAUSING MY CRUISE CONTROL TO MALFUNCTION, ALONG WITH MY BRAKE LIGHTS AND FOG LIGHTS. I HAVE THE DOCUMENTS FROM THE REPORT IN MY EMAIL. ALSO, THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH MY DRIVE TRAIN/TIMING BELT OR POWER STEERING BECAUSE MY ENGINE MAKES A LOUD WHINING NOISE WHEN I TURN THE STEERING WHEEL A CERTAIN WAY AND ALSO IT'S LOUDER WHEN I HAVE THE AIR OR VENTS TURNED ON. I'M AFRAID ALL THE DEFECTS ARE GOING TO CAUSE ME TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT DUE TO MY LIGHTS FAILING AND SOMEONE RUNNING INTO ME OR MY STEERING GOING OUT ON ME OR MY ENGINE SHUTTING DOWN DUE TO THE NOISE AND IT FAILING. I'VE READ LOTS OF OTHER BMW OWNERS REPORTING THE SAME ISSUES ON DIFFERENT SITES ON GOOGLE. THEY NEED TO RECALL THESE THINGS AND CHECK INTO THEM MORE SERIOUSLY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT.
NHTSA ODI #11150884
50,000 miles · Aug 1, 2018
Service BrakesCrashInjury
MY BRAKE PEDAL PAD CAME OFF OF MY BRAKE WHEN I WENT TO STOP BEHIND SOMEONE CAUSING ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET COMING UP TO TRAFFIC THAT WAS STARTING TO GO AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT JUST TURNED GREEN. I BELIEVE THE RUBBER IS TOO SOFT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL PAD AND WAS NOT SEATED ON THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY …
Read full complaint
MY BRAKE PEDAL PAD CAME OFF OF MY BRAKE WHEN I WENT TO STOP BEHIND SOMEONE CAUSING ME TO GET IN AN ACCIDENT. I WAS TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET COMING UP TO TRAFFIC THAT WAS STARTING TO GO AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT THAT JUST TURNED GREEN. I BELIEVE THE RUBBER IS TOO SOFT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL PAD AND WAS NOT SEATED ON THE BRAKE ALL THE WAY DUE TO ME OR A PREVIOUS OWNER PULLING THE BOTTOM LEFT SIDE OFF OF THE BRAKE BY LIFTING THEIR FOOT UP FROM RESTING IT NEXT TO THE BRAKE. I HAVE A PHOTO OF THE PAD FROM AFTER THE ACCIDENT SHOWING INDENTATIONS ON THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THE PAD FROM WHERE THE BOTTOM LEFT CORNER WAS PULLED OFF THE BRAKE. WHEN I WENT TO SLOW DOWN IN TRAFFIC SO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME COULD HAVE TIME TO SPEED UP, THE PAD SLIPPED OFF AND CAUSED ME TO HIT THE GAS PEDAL AND HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. MY COMPUTER REGISTERS WHAT HAPPENED FIVE SECONDS PRIOR TO IMPACT. IT SAYS THAT I WAS TRAVELING AT 21 MPH (THE SPEED LIMIT IS 35), THEN HIT THE GAS AND ACCELERATED A LITTLE BEFORE IMPACT, WHICH IS IN MY OPINION PROOF THAT MY FOOT SLIPPED OFF THE BRAKE. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME WAS NOT STOPPED, THEY WERE ACCELERATING FROM BEING STOPPED IN TRAFFIC AT A LIGHT, BUT TRAVELING SLOWER THAN ME, WHICH IS WHY I WAS GOING 21 MPH SO CLOSE BEHIND THEM, BECAUSE I HAD APPROACHED THE TRAFFIC AFTER THEY ALREADY STARTED MOVING. I CONTACTED BMW AND THEY INSPECTED IT AND SAID THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PAD AND THEREFORE WILL NOT BE COMPENSATING ME FOR THE ACCIDENT BY TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND FIXING MY CAR. THAT MADE ME FEEL AS THOUGH THEY ARE NOT CONCERNED WITH MY PERSONAL SAFETY. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER OF THE VEHICLE I HIT TOLD MY INSURANCE THEY WERE BOTH INJURED BUT I'M NOT SURE IF THEY ARE PURSUING THE INJURY CLAIM.
NHTSA ODI #11115231
Official recalls
8Dec 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Illustration