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2011 BMW X5 Sav

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

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What owners reported most

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

20 reports with mileage · 4 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Engine. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Fuel/propulsion System. Review the 7 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. 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.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Power Train complaints

7 reports
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74,500 miles · Mar 20, 2018
Electronic Stability Control (esc)EnginePower Train

DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A SIGNATURE INDEPENDENT KIRKLAND.…

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DURING HARD ACCELERATION OF THE CAR WHILE GETTING ON THE FREE WAY RAMP, THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE. THE ENGINE PERFORMANCE WAS DEGRADED AND I HAD TO PULL ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO RESTART THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF BELLEVUE NEXT WEEK AFTER INITIAL DIAGNOSIS OF A DME INTERNAL FAULT BY A SIGNATURE INDEPENDENT KIRKLAND. BMW OF BELLEVUE REPLACED AIR MASS FILTER AND OIL FILLER CAP. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE ISSUE HAPPENING AGAIN DURING REGULAR DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY. BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A VACUUM HOSE LEAK. A FEW WEEKS LATER THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AGAIN WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, BMW OF BELLEVUE DIAGNOSED THIS AS A HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SENSOR SHORT, BMW OF NORTH AMERICA OPENED A PUMA CASE, BUT DID NOT RECOMMEND REPLACING THE DME YET. RIGHT AFTER PICKING UP THE CAR I HIT THE ISSUE AGAIN WHERE THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE ACCELERATING ON THE FREEWAY RAMP. BMW OF BELLEVUE WORKED WITH BMW OF NA TO REPLACE THE DME WHICH IS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. BEFORE HANDING THE CAR BACK THE SERVICE ADVISOR DID A TEST AND WAS ABLE TO STILL REPRODUCE THE CAR GOING INTO LIMP MODE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY, DIAGNOSIS IS STILL NOT KNOWN. IT HAS BEEN 3 MONTHS TODAY SINCE THE ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN OUT OF USE FOR MORE THAN A MONTH AND THERE IS STILL NO CONCLUSION ON THE ROOT CAUSE.

NHTSA ODI #11080383

84,444 miles · May 14, 2017
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

ON SATURDAY MAY 6TH 2017. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD THIS NOISE TO MY UNTRAINED EAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY FRONT TIRES? I PULLED OVER GOT OUT TO CHECK MY FRONT TIRES/WHEEL'S AND THERE WAS NOTHING, I GET BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND START DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE SAME NOISE COULD BE HEARD AGAIN SO O…

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ON SATURDAY MAY 6TH 2017. I WAS DRIVING WHEN I HEARD THIS NOISE TO MY UNTRAINED EAR IT SEEMED AS IF THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM MY FRONT TIRES? I PULLED OVER GOT OUT TO CHECK MY FRONT TIRES/WHEEL'S AND THERE WAS NOTHING, I GET BACK INTO MY VEHICLE AND START DRIVING AGAIN AFTER A FEW MINUTES THE SAME NOISE COULD BE HEARD AGAIN SO ONCE AGAIN I PULLED OVER GOT OUT AND CHECKED MY TIRES/WHEELS AND UNDERCARRIAGE. AS I AM LOOKING THERE IS NOTHING HANGING OR LOOSE, I GET BACK INTO THE VEHICLE AND STARTED TO HEAD TOWARDS MY HOUSE I WAS ONLY ABOUT 6 BLOCKS AWAY FROM HOME SO I CALL MY FIANCE AND ASKED HE TO COME OUTSIDE (I WANTED HER TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE JUST A LITTLE SO THAT I COULD SEE IF MY WHEELS WERE DOING ANYTHING STRANGE, THIS WOULD HELP ME TO BETTER EXPLAIN WHAT I THROUGH WAS HAPPING TO MY VEHICLES WHEELS/TIRES) AS SOON AS I HANG THE PHONE UP I SLOWED DOWN TO GO OVER A SPEED HUMP AT THE TIME I DID NOT NOTICE BUT I HAD LOST POWER IN THE VEHICLE AS I TRIED TO USE MY BREAKS THE VEHICLE DID NOTHING AND I DO MEAN NOTHING SO NOW I AM ROLLING STRAIGHT AND GO THROUGH TWO STOP SIGNS HOPING AND PRAYING THAT ONE HITS ME, DUE TO THE VEHICLE HAVING NO POWER. A MESSAGE SHOWS UP ON THE SCREEN SAYING 'TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION' THE MALFUNCTION MAYBE RESOLVED BY RESTARTING. CONTRACT NEAREST BMW CENTER IF NECESSARY. USE EMERG. RELEASE TO DISENGAGE PARK DETENTION PRIOR TO TOWING OR PUSHING VEHICLE. NOW MINE YOU THIS MESSAGE ONLY SHOWED AFTER THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. AS I AM GOING THROUGH THE SECOND STOP SIGN THERE IS A SLIGHTL/SMALL HILL THAT I WENT UP AND THE VEHICLE LOST ENOUGH SPEED THAT I WAS ABLE TO SMASH THE BRAKES REAL HARD TO STOP THE VEHICLE FROM MOVING. A CAR ALL MOST HIT ME IN THE REST BECAUSE OF THIS ACTION, AND NOW I AM SITTING ON THIS SLIGHT HILL HOLDING MY FOOT ON THE BREAK. ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A BMW DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD ABOUT THE DRIVESHAFT RECALL.

NHTSA ODI #10985577

60,000 miles · May 13, 2017
Electronic Stability Control (esc)Power Train

DRIVESHAFT RECALL- WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE LOW AND HIGH SPEED, VIBRATIONS CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, THERE WAS SOME FOREPLAY IN THE DRIVESHAFT AND COULD HAVE GIVEN OUT AT ANY MOMENT. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT GAVE OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE …

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DRIVESHAFT RECALL- WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE LOW AND HIGH SPEED, VIBRATIONS CAN BE FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. WHEN TAKEN TO THE MECHANIC, THERE WAS SOME FOREPLAY IN THE DRIVESHAFT AND COULD HAVE GIVEN OUT AT ANY MOMENT. HAD THE DRIVESHAFT GAVE OUT WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AT HIGHER SPEED, RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THE ISSUE HAS ALREADY BEEN ADDRESSED BY THE NHTSA FOR THE SAME MODEL OF LATER PRODUCTION DATES. MAIN CONCERN IS WHY ARE THE VEHICLES BEFORE THE COVERED PRODUCTIONS DATES AND MODELS THAT HAVE THE SAME ISSUES NOT BEING COVERED? PARKING BRAKE MALFUNCTION- PARKING BRAKE MOTOR FAILS WHICH CAUSES THE PARKING BRAKES TO BE LOCKED. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WERE STRANDED. BASED ON INDEPENDENT RESEARCH, THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE WITH BMW VEHICLES. THIS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED.

NHTSA ODI #10985509

90,000 miles · May 4, 2017
Power Train

I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU, BUT INADVERTENTLY SAID MY CAR WAS MFG IN MARCH 2011, BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY MFG IN MARCH 2010. BMW PREVIOUSLY RECALLED VEHICLES MFG FROM APRIL 4 TO NOV 30 2010. DUE TO CONTINUING COMPLAINTS, BMW RECALLED THE ENTIRE MODEL YEAR, BUT ONLY ADDED THE NEW RECALL TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL, SO IT GOES …

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I PREVIOUSLY FILED A COMPLAINT WITH YOU, BUT INADVERTENTLY SAID MY CAR WAS MFG IN MARCH 2011, BUT IT WAS ACTUALLY MFG IN MARCH 2010. BMW PREVIOUSLY RECALLED VEHICLES MFG FROM APRIL 4 TO NOV 30 2010. DUE TO CONTINUING COMPLAINTS, BMW RECALLED THE ENTIRE MODEL YEAR, BUT ONLY ADDED THE NEW RECALL TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL, SO IT GOES FROM APRIL 2010 TO 2013. MINE WAS ONE OF THE FIRST MFG IN 2010 AND HAS THE SAME ISSUE BUT WAS NOT RECALLED. CAN YOU PLEASE EXTEND THE RECALL BACK ONE MONTH TO GET THE FIRST CARS PRODUCED THAT YEAR? MINE IS ABOUT THE ONLY ONE LEFT OUT OF THE RECALL AND HAS ALREADY FAILED AND IS IN THE SHOP BUT BMW DENIES THE CLAIM.

NHTSA ODI #10983527

84,500 miles · Jul 26, 2016
Power Train

AT 84,500 MILES, DURING FRONT DRIVESHAFT RECALL SERVICE, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A FAILED TRANSFER CASE. SYMPTOMS INCLUDE VIBRATION DURING ACCELERATION, AND TURNING.

NHTSA ODI #10888691

68,300 miles · Mar 15, 2016
Power Train

WHILE TRAVELING 70MPH EB ON INTERSTATE 10, BILOXI, MS AREA, A SUDDEN RUMBLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD POP AND SEVERE BANGING AND VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOSS POWER AND I WAS FORCED TO MANEUVER THROUGH MODERATE HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS TO THE SIDE OF THE INTE…

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WHILE TRAVELING 70MPH EB ON INTERSTATE 10, BILOXI, MS AREA, A SUDDEN RUMBLING SOUND WAS HEARD COMING FROM BENEATH THE VEHICLE FOLLOWED BY A LOUD POP AND SEVERE BANGING AND VIBRATION. THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY LOSS POWER AND I WAS FORCED TO MANEUVER THROUGH MODERATE HIGH SPEED TRAFFIC IN DANGEROUS CONDITIONS TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE. ONCE COMING TO A STOP, FURTHER MOVEMENT WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES TO NEAREST BMW DEALERSHIP IN MOBILE, ALABAMA WHERE THE ISSUE WAS DIAGNOSED AS A SNAPPED DRIVESHAFT. BMW WAS AWARE OF THE POTENTIALLY DEADLY DRIVESHAFT ISSUE AS I HAD RECEIVED A LETTER EXTENDING THE DRIVESHAFT WARRANTY 5 MONTHS PRIOR. THEY CHOSE NOT TO ISSUE A RECALL BUT INSTEAD ONLY ISSUED A LIMITED EXTENDED WARRANTY ON THE DRIVESHAFT. EXPERIENCING THIS FAILURE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS HAS SHOWN ME THAT THIS FAILURE HAD FATAL POTENTIAL. MY VEHICLE HAD BEEN CHECKED AND PRONOUNCED FIT BY A LOCAL BMW DEALERSHIP 6 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT......UPDATED 06/23/16 * BF *CN

NHTSA ODI #10849680

79,000 miles · May 12, 2015
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

MY VEHICLES PURCHASED LAST YEAR FROM BMW LOCAL DEALER {JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS] IS EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED ENGINES .THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP OVERHEATED. THIS LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT . BMW WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY OWNERS, REPLACE THE AUXILIA…

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MY VEHICLES PURCHASED LAST YEAR FROM BMW LOCAL DEALER {JACKIE COOPER IMPORTS] IS EQUIPPED WITH 8- OR 12-CYLINDER, TURBOCHARGED ENGINES .THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP OVERHEATED. THIS LEAD TO A SMOLDERING OF THE PUMP AND AN ENGINE COMPARTMENT . BMW WAS SUPPOSED TO NOTIFY OWNERS, REPLACE THE AUXILIARY WATER PUMP, THERMOSTAT, AND COOLANT RESERVOIR FREE OF CHARGE. THE TWO SAFETY RECALLS RELATED TO THIS PROBLEM APPARENTLY DID NOT INCLUDE MY VEHICLE. REF NHTSA COMPAIGN RECALL #11V521000 AND NHTSA COMPAIGN RECALL # 12V161000. I HAVE LOGGED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS WITH THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEIR RECALL RESOLUTION DEPARTMENT IN VAIN. I AM BEING CHARGED FOR PARTS AND LABOR WHICH I BELIEF SHOULD BE FREE A SNOTED BY THE TWO RECALLS .

NHTSA ODI #10716078

Official recalls

3

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.

14V176000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine

Apr 10, 2014

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 128i Coupe, 128i Convertible, 328i Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 328i Coupe, 328i Convertible, 328i Sports Wagon and Z4 sDrive 30i, 2011-2012 135i Coupe, 135i Convertible, 335i Sedan, X5 xDrive 35i, and X6 xDrive 35i, 2011 335i xDrive Sedan, 335i Coupe, 335i Convertible, 528i Sedan, 535i Sedan, 535i xDrive Sedan, X3 xDrive 28i, and X3 xDrive 35i, 2010 X3 xDrive 30i, and X5 xDrive 30i, 2012 640i Coupe, and 640i Convertible and 2010-2012 535i Gran Turismo vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the bolts that secure the housing for the variable camshaft timing adjustment (VANOS) unit can loosen over time and may possibly break.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the bolts loosen or break the engine may have reduced power or stall. An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the four VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units (intake and exhaust), free of charge. In addition, owners of approximately 170,172 model year 2010-2012 BMW vehicles equipped with inline 6 cylinder engines not covered by this recall, will receive an extended warranty to address this condition. The recall began on September 24, 2014. Owners may contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.

12V550000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

Nov 27, 2012

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine And Engine Cooling:engine:diesel

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

BMW is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 X5 xDrive 35d SAV diesel vehicles manufactured September 1, 2008, through November 15, 2012. The engine belt idler pulley bolt could loosen and break over time.

Consequence: If the engine belt idler pulley bolt breaks, the vehicle may unexpectedly lose power-assisted steering, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace and tighten the idler pulley bolt. The recall began on January 15, 2013. Owners may call BMW 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.

RQ18001 · Idler Pulley Bolt Failure

Opened Apr 18, 2018 · Closed Dec 1, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Steering

In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:hose, Piping, And Connections

In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.

Steering:hydraulic Power Assist System

In a May 23, 2018 letter, BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in the loss of power steering assist in certain model year (MY) 2009 through 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles (Recall 18V-336). The recall, which affects approximately 33,214 vehicles built from March 12, 2008 through June 27, 2013, corrects the remedy and expands the scope of a prior BMW recall (12V-550) which addressed idle pulley bolt failure in approximately 29,800 MY 2009 through 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d vehicles built from September 1, 2008 through November 15, 2012. BMW's analysis indicates that due to a number of contributing factors it is possible that the bolt's pre-stressing force could drop to an extent that it results in the bolt becoming loosened over time. A loosening of the bolt could cause additional bending stress on top of the bolt. As a result, the bolt could break. If this were to happen, then a sudden loss of power steering assist could occur.If there were a loss of power steering assist, manual steering capability would be retained, although the effort required to steer the vehicle would be greater, and therefore may increase the risk of crash.ODI's analysis of the complaints it has received from the public (VOQ's) and BMW complaint data submitted in response to the information request letter for RQ18-001 identified a total of 93 unique VIN reports alleging failure of the idler pulley bolt after recall 12V-550 was completed on the vehicle, including 31 VOQ's and 72 BMW consumer complaints (5 complaints received by NHTSA and BMW, 3 unique VIN's submitted multiple complaints to BMW, and 1 unique VIN submitted multiple complaints to NHTSA).BMW is developing a new idler pulley fastening system as the remedy for 18V-336.The remedy is planned to begin in February 2019.Based on BMW's safety recall, this recall query is closed.The 31 VOQ's referenced in this resume are: 10499780, 10559422, 10579534, 10655424, 10661614, 10702323, 10819617, 10903433, 10948014, 10984353, 11002447, 11010667, 11013643, 11041551, 11054759, 11054909, 11066063, 11083479, 11097562, 11098865, 11113332, 11128649, 11130277, 10552773, 10817406, 10937632, 10956710, 11032006, 11042259, 11063010, 11091513.