← New search

2007 BMW X5 Sav

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

52 reports with mileage · 7 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 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 12 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

59 reports
10 miles · Oct 4, 2010
Power Train

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, THE CAR DOES NOTHING WHEN YOU STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN LUNGES FORWARD. THE SUDDEN BUCKING AND HESITATION MAKES HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR ESPECIALLY IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. I LIVE IN A SUBURB OF NEW YORK CITY AND I DRIVE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT 5 TIMES EVERY WEEK. THIS DOES NOT HAP…

Read full complaint

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A DEAD STOP, THE CAR DOES NOTHING WHEN YOU STEP ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THEN LUNGES FORWARD. THE SUDDEN BUCKING AND HESITATION MAKES HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR ESPECIALLY IN BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC. I LIVE IN A SUBURB OF NEW YORK CITY AND I DRIVE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AT 5 TIMES EVERY WEEK. THIS DOES NOT HAPPEN EVERY TIME YOU ACCELERATE, BUT MOSTLY WHEN THE CAR IS HOT, LIKE IN TRAFFIC. THE CAR PERFORMS FINE WHEN IT IS COLD. THE DEALER HAS EXPERIENCED THE PROBLEM, AND THE CAR HAS IMPROVED, BUT IT IS STILL BAD WHEN IT GETS HOT. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE REFUSE TO DO MORE THAN DRIVE IT AROUND THE BLOCK AND THE LAST TIME IT WAS THERE THEY DROVE IT WHILE IT WAS COLD AND IT WAS OK. I HAVE BROUGHT THE CAR BACK TO THEM SIX (6) TIMES AND THEY STILL CAN NOT FIX THIS. I THINK THIS IS AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. THE CAR IS VERY HARD TO CONTROL IN TRAFFIC AND I AM AFRAID THAT SOMEDAY I MIGHT HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN IN TRAFFIC. MY FIRST COMPLAINT TO THE DEALER WAS MARCH 30, 2009 AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES TO TODAY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10359149

Mileage unknown · Jun 11, 2010
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine Cooling

IN MAY 2007, I PURCHASED A NEW BMW 2007 X5 4.8 VEHICLE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE EXPERIENCED "HIGH BATTERY DRAINAGE" WARNINGS AT LEAST 12 TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE COMPUTER DOESN'T SHOW A HISTORY OF THIS MESSAGE AND IT DOES NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THE CAR ENGINE ALSO FAILS TO START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS- THE LIG…

Read full complaint

IN MAY 2007, I PURCHASED A NEW BMW 2007 X5 4.8 VEHICLE. SINCE THEN, I HAVE EXPERIENCED "HIGH BATTERY DRAINAGE" WARNINGS AT LEAST 12 TIMES. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS THE COMPUTER DOESN'T SHOW A HISTORY OF THIS MESSAGE AND IT DOES NOT FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY. THE CAR ENGINE ALSO FAILS TO START AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS- THE LIGHTS, RADIO AND AIR TURN ON, BUT THE ENGINE DOES NOT. AFTER SEVERAL HOURS, THE ENGINE STARTS. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT LEAST 12 TIMES SINCE 11/2007 AS WELL- BUT INDEPENDENTLY OF THE "HIGH BATTERY DRAINAGE" WARNING. THE DEALERSHIP FAILS TO FIND A PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE STARTING WHEN I TAKE THE CAR IN. IN ADDITION, THE ENGINE (AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION) STAYS LOCKED IN ONE GEAR AND THE ENGINE REVS UP WHILE DRIVING, FAILING TO AUTOMATICALLY SHIFT TO THE NEXT GEAR UNLESS THE DRIVER RELEASES THE GAS PEDAL OR PUSHES THE GAS PEDDLE TO "THROW IT" INTO THE NEXT GEAR. IT WOULD ALSO LURCH ON INCLINES, BUT STOPPED EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM (PERHAPS COINCIDENTALLY) WHEN I REMOVED MY CELLPHONE FROM THE CAR'S BLUETOOTH/HANDS-FREE SYSTEM. THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN SAID THAT IT COULD NOT DETECT ANY PROBLEMS. BMW USA IS NO HELP EITHER, SINCE THEY RELY ON THE DEALERSHIPS TO REPORT ISSUES TO THEM. IF THE LOCAL DEALERS AREN'T REPORTING THE ISSUES THAT OWNERS EXPERIENCE SIMPLY BECAUSE THEY CAN'T FIND AN ANSWER, THEN NOTHING CAN BE DONE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE OWNERS AND THEIR PASSENGERS DRIVING THEIR VEHICLES. I BELIEVE A PROBLEM EXISTS WITH THE ELECTRONIC SYSTEM AND PERHAPS SOMETHING ELSE. I HAVE SEEN COMPLAINTS BY OTHER 2007 X5 OWNERS FOR THE SAME ISSUES ON WEBSITES SUCH AS EDMUNDS.COM AND OWNERS LOCALLY WHERE I LIVE. PLEASE ASSIST US, BECAUSE IT'S BECOME CLEAR THAT WE HAVE EXHAUSTED OUR RECOURSE WITH THE BMW DEALERSHIPS. BELOW IS THE DATE OF THE MOST RECENT INCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335813

31,000 miles · May 3, 2010
Parking Brake

AFTER PUTTING PARKING BRAKE ON BMW X5 2007, TRIED TO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE. SYSTEM DISPLAYED PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION. WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL A BMW ASSIST SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO MANUALLY RELEASE BY PULLING A CABLE IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS C…

Read full complaint

AFTER PUTTING PARKING BRAKE ON BMW X5 2007, TRIED TO RELEASE PARKING BRAKE. SYSTEM DISPLAYED PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION. WAS UNABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR UNTIL A BMW ASSIST SUPERVISOR TOLD ME THAT I NEED TO MANUALLY RELEASE BY PULLING A CABLE IN THE TRUNK OF A CAR. AFTER SEARCHING ONLINE IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING A CAR THAT HAS MALFUNCTION BRAKES. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10328613

Mileage unknown · Mar 30, 2010
Power Train

HAVE THEIR BEEN OTHER ENGINE/CAMSHAFT DEFECT COMPLAINTS FOR THE 2007 BMW X5 VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE SENSORS ON MY X5 BMW ARE IDENTIFYING THIS AS A POTENTIAL REPAIR JOB AND THE BMW DEALER HAS CONFIRMED.

NHTSA ODI #10322844

22,000 miles · Mar 8, 2010
Air BagsVehicle Speed ControlCrashInjury

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THERE WAS AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE "NEUTRAL" POSITION.…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5 MINI COOPER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED. THERE WAS AN UNINTENDED INCREASE IN ACCELERATION. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN WHEN PRESSURE WAS APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE GEAR WAS SHIFTED INTO THE "NEUTRAL" POSITION. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A TRAFFIC SIGNAL POLE. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DEPLOY WITH THE LEVEL OF IMPACT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED SEVERE INJURIES. THE POLICE WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE. THERE WERE BODY DAMAGES TO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER. THE CAUSE OF FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AT THIS TIME. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

NHTSA ODI #10317744

Mileage unknown · Mar 17, 2009
Electrical System

I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 BMW X5 IN DECEMBER 2006. DURING THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE PROBLEMS 18 TIMES. SIX OF THOSE TIMES IS FOR "HIGH BATTERY DRAIN". THE CONSEQUENCE IS A CAR THAT MIGHT NOT ALWAYS START. AFTER THREE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEM THEY REPLACED THE BAT…

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED A NEW 2007 BMW X5 IN DECEMBER 2006. DURING THE TIME I HAVE OWNED THE CAR I HAVE HAD IT IN FOR SERVICE PROBLEMS 18 TIMES. SIX OF THOSE TIMES IS FOR "HIGH BATTERY DRAIN". THE CONSEQUENCE IS A CAR THAT MIGHT NOT ALWAYS START. AFTER THREE UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS TO FIX THE BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEM THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT. SINCE THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED I HAVE HAD THE CAR IN TWO MORE TIMES WITH THE SAME BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEM. THE DEALERSHIP IS NOW TELLING ME I HAVE BATTERY PROBLEMS BECAUSE I DO NOT DRIVE THE CAR ENOUGH. BMW RECOMMENDS YOU DRIVE THE CAR AT LEAST 7,500 MILES PER YEAR FOR PROPER BATTERY OPERATION. I HAVE DRIVEN MY CAR 12,000 A YEAR, EXCEEDING WHAT THEY RECOMMEND. I HAVE ALSO HAD THIS VEHICLE IN FOUR TIMES TO FIX A DMTL PUMP PROBLEM. BMW NORTH AMERICA SUGGESTED THAT THE BATTERY DRAIN HAS ALSO CAUSED THE DMTL PUMP NOT TO OPERATE PROPERLY. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DMTL PUMP PROBLEM WAS A RESULT OF A LOOSE CONNECTION, THEN A GAS CAP LEAK, THEN THE VENT VALVE STICKING OPEN AND LASTLY SAID ON THE FOURTH ATTEMPT TO FIX IT THAT THE DMTL PUMP JUST DOES NOT WORK PROPERLY AND REPLACED IT. WHAT IS IT??? I DO NOT RECEIVE THE SAME ANSWERS FROM BMW NORTH AMERICA VERSUS THE DEALERSHIP. I ALSO INVESTIGATED A WEB FORUM PERTAINING TO THIS ISSUE AND FOUND DOZENS OF OTHER BMW OWNERS WITH THE SAME "HIGH BATTERY DRAIN" PROBLEM. THE BATTERY DRAIN PROBLEM IS NOT BECAUSE "YOU DO NOT PUT ENOUGH MILES ON YOUR CAR" AS BMW CLAIMS. IT IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262155

15,020 miles · Feb 9, 2009
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Structure

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, ALL OF THE TIRES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SLID AND DRIFTED ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPECULATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED FROM A SHUTDOWN OF THE COMPUTER, WHICH SUBS…

Read full complaint

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH DOWNHILL IN INCLEMENT WEATHER CONDITIONS, ALL OF THE TIRES LOCKED UP AND THE VEHICLE SLID AND DRIFTED ABNORMALLY. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPECULATED THAT THE FAILURE COULD HAVE RESULTED FROM A SHUTDOWN OF THE COMPUTER, WHICH SUBSEQUENTLY CAUSED THE TRACTION CONTROL TO FAIL. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED AND THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. HE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS FORWARDED TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 15,020. UPDATED 03-30-09 *BF THE REAR HATCH WAS LOOSE. UPDATED 04/01/09.*JB

NHTSA ODI #10258019

Mileage unknown · Oct 11, 2007
Parking Brake

BRAKE MALFUNCTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10205424

650 miles · May 7, 2007
Visibility

TL-CALLER OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 650. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 50MPH THE CAR BEHIND HIM HAD VERY BRIGHT LIGHTS. HE REACHED TO PUSH THE DIMMER ON THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO DIMMER SWITCH. SPOKE WITH DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT REARVIEW DIMMER IS NOT STANDARD AND TO GET REARVIEW MIRROR DIMMER YO…

Read full complaint

TL-CALLER OWNS A 2007 BMW X5. CURRENT MILEAGE IS 650. DRIVING AT NIGHT AT 50MPH THE CAR BEHIND HIM HAD VERY BRIGHT LIGHTS. HE REACHED TO PUSH THE DIMMER ON THE REARVIEW MIRROR AND NOTICED THAT THERE IS NO DIMMER SWITCH. SPOKE WITH DEALER WHO INFORMED HIM THAT REARVIEW DIMMER IS NOT STANDARD AND TO GET REARVIEW MIRROR DIMMER YOU HAVE TO GET A PACKAGE THAT IS AN ADDITIONAL $4,000.00. KTF UPDATED 06/06/07. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10190015

Official recalls

5

22V119000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Mar 2, 2022

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 1 Series Coupe (128i); 2007-2013 3 Series Coupe (328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive); 2007-2010 X3 SAV (X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i); 2008-2013 1 Series Convertible (128i); 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi); 2006-2012 3 Series Wagon (328i, 328i xDrive); 2007-2013 3 Series Convertible (328i); 2006-2010 5 Series Sedan (525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi); 2006-2007 5 Series Wagon (530xi); 2007-2010 X5 SAV (X5 3.0si, X5 xDrive30i); 2006-2008 Z4 Coupe (Z4 3.0si); and 2006-2011 Z4 Roadster (Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si, Z4 sDrive30i) vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the PCV valve heater to overheat, increasing the risk of a fire while driving or, soon after driving when parked.

Remedy: This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Dealers will install an electrical wiring harness with fuse protection for the PCV Valve heater in potentially affected vehicles, free of charge. This recall supersedes and expands previous NHTSA recalls 17V-683 and 19V-273. Vehicles previously repaired under the prior recalls will need to come back for the new recall remedy. The remedy is currently being developed. Interim owner notification letters informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on April 1, 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 22, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

16V071000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Feb 5, 2016

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with 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's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V045000 · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

Feb 7, 2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Service Brakes

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 X5 SAV vehicles, manufactured September 12, 2006, through March 18, 2010 and equipped with an 8-cylinder engine. The brake vacuum pump may leak a small amount of lubricating oil into the hose. The contamination could result in a loss of power assist braking.

Consequence: The loss of power assist in braking could increase stopping distance and lead to a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake vacuum line with one that contains a check valve, free of charge. The recall began during March 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

07V479000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Oct 12, 2007

ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH V8 ENGINES, IN CONDITIONS OF BELOW FREEZING TEMPERATURES COMBINED WITH LOW HUMIDITY, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE TO OCCUR AT THE FUEL RAILS. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, THE ENGINE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) COULD BE AFFECTED SO THAT ENGINE STALLING COULD RESULT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF STALLING WERE TO OCCUR, THE DRIVER MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN VEHICLE SPEED OR ACCELERATE AND THE POWER STEERING COULD FAIL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL ATTACH TWO GROUND CABLES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

07V391000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic

Aug 29, 2007

CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 135, "PASSENGER CAR BRAKE SYSTEMS." THE CAP OF THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR HAS BEEN DESIGNED IN ORDERTO RECOGNIZE A LOW FLUID LEVEL OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM BY TRIGGERING A RED WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. A SWITCH THAT IS ATTACHED TO THIS CAP COULD MALFUNCTION AT HIGH TEMPERATURES.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENED, THE RED WARNING LAMP IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WOULD NOT BE ACTIVATED. LOSS OF THE HYDRAULIC BRAKE SYSTEM MAY CAUSE INCREASED STOPPING DISTANCES WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR CAP FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.

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

1

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.