2015 BMW 335I

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.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 335I. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be jumpstarted. The battery discharge warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the water pump and determined that a short in the water pump was preventing the water pump from turning off. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11609727

Incident

Aug 19, 2024

Mileage

88,000 mi

I recently was advised by BMW that my valve cover had a leak as well as a rear axle. I feel that after only 8 years and less than 80,000 miles those component should NOT be failing so soon. My biggest complaint is that I recently had my power steering system completely fail on me. I was able to limp my car home and turn it off to let it sit for 15 minutes which the dealer recommended. I started the car back up and it has been working fine. The dealer inspected the vehicle and advised that I should have the entire system replaced for a little under $6,000. My largest concern is that the steering system is going to give out when my wife is driving the car or when we are hundreds of miles away from a dealer to fix it. The aggravating portion of this is that there is a recall for this issue on 2015-2017 SUV's and the 4 series (Recall 16v-704) and BMW will not cover the costs for repairs. I'm currently talking with BMW North America to see if their good will repair program will cover it but I still believe that the electric steering should not go out after only 8 years and less than 80,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11508001

Incident

Feb 7, 2023

Mileage

80,000 mi

My car randomly stiffens steering in a turn which made me nearly hit a parked car and lit up a warning light stating “Drive Moderately”. The car recently also began to have symptoms of clunking and grinding when turning the wheel at low speeds. While this issue has recently arrises, my forward collision warning, blind spot detection, and lane departure warning safety features turned off completely i'm assuming as a result of the issue. The car also clunks and makes the same noise when turning the wheel side to side if the car is completely shut off as well. I’ve been referenced to SIB 01 26 18 and contacted both a BMW Service Center & BMW NA. Both tell me my car suffers from no symptoms, issues, and/or recalls; I tried to argue the fact that it clearly states that the page was more of a reference for models instead of an exact recall. One of the service technicians tried to explain to me my car was manufactured in June instead of May which is the “cut-off” date. I feel unsafe in the car, BMW refuses to recall the EPS Steering Electronic Motor and its assembly. They instead call it more of an issue.

NHTSA ID

11492354

Incident

Nov 4, 2022

A/C COOLING INTERMITTENT REDUCTION OF AIR FLOW: Complaint of reduced air flow when the air conditioning system is operated for an extended time, usually longer than 30 minutes. The evaporator starts to freeze up. Here is a blog from multiple owners reporting the same issue. https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21904

NHTSA ID

11470378

Incident

Jun 30, 2020

Driver passenger door would not open when the car is locked from inside. Typically the driver can double pull the door handle which unlocks the car. When attempting to unlock, the pin goes up but comes back down. There are several documented complaints on BMW forums with many owners experiencing this safety issue. If a driver gets into an accident or if the battery dies, the door may fail to open at critical moments. A recall is needed for this safety defect

NHTSA ID

11445595

Incident

Dec 30, 2021

CAR EXHAUST RATTLES ON START WHICH IS CAUSED BY A BROKEN/LOOSE EXHAUST FLAP

NHTSA ID

11406538

Incident

Apr 5, 2021

THERE IS A FAILURE IN THE DOOR ACTUATORS THAT WHEN HAPPENS PREVENTS THE DOOR FROM BEING OPENED USING THE INTERNAL DOOR LEVER AND IN SOME CASES ALSO AFFECTS THE EXTERNAL HANDLE. NOT BEING ABLE TO OPEN THE DOOR BY PULLING THE INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL LEVERS MAY CAUSE A SAFETY ISSUE IN CASE OF EMERGENCY (CRASH, FLOOD, FIRE). BMW IS AWARE OF THIS ISSUE BECAUSE LOTS OF 3 SERIES CARS HAVE FAILED AND THEY HAVE BEEN REPAIRING OR REPLACING THE DEFECTIVE PARTS IN CARS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT REFUSES TO COVER THE EXPENSES OUT OF WARRANTY PERIOD. BMW NA MUST TAKE CARE OF THIS PROBLEM DESPITE THE WARRANTY PERIOD SINCE IT'S A SAFETY ISSUE. HERE IS A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=V7_UBSGJTQQ

NHTSA ID

11383149

Incident

Dec 12, 2020

Mileage

28,000 mi

PASSENGERS DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. HAS A TWO PULL MECHANISM, FIRST PULL OF THE HANDLE UNLOCKS THE DOOR AND SECOND PULL OPENS THE DOOR. DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN ON SECOND PULL FROM THE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE. MY WIFE WAS ESSENTIALLY STUCK IN THE CAR. THIS IS A SEVERE SAFETY ISSUE IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT OR OTHER. THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED BY BMW PERMANENTLY BECAUSE MANY OTHER PEOPLE HAVE REPORTED THIS ISSUE AND HAVE HAD THE MECHANISM REPLACED ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN LESS THAN A YEAR LATER. ALL THIS HAPPENING ON CARS LESS THAN 4 YEARS OLD AND LESS THAN 30K MILES. I HAVE NEVER HAD A DOOR LOCK ISSUE ON ANY CAR UNTIL NOW.

NHTSA ID

11279217

Incident

Oct 30, 2019

Mileage

29,500 mi

The basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.

The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

DIESEL FUEL INJECTORS: LTD WTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES

After programming the head unit (HU-H2), activating the FSC (German word Freischaltcode) Enabling Codes repeatedly fails.

Upon opening and closing the tailgate, a creaking/groaning sound can be heard from tailgate actuator.

Exterior rear lights do not work.