2015 BMW 428I

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.

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving approximately 29 MPH, the vehicle started to overheat and experienced reduced power, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stated that there were unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the residence. Additionally, while driving at 40 MPH, the failure recurred, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11721958

Incident

Jan 4, 2026

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact discovered that the water pump was continuously running after the vehicle was turned off. The contact referenced and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,357.

NHTSA ID

11715401

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

Mileage

118,357 mi

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, while attempting to start the vehicle, it failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with coolant pump failure. The contact was informed that the coolant had been continuously running, causing the battery to completely drain. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced, the radiator needed to be flushed, and the repair of a small oil leak was needed. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). While driving to the dealer, the loss of communication with the coolant pump warning light illuminated. The contact was informed that the coolant pump had passed the inspection and did not need to be replaced. The contact was informed that the shield was installed as per the recall. The contact stated that upon retrieving the vehicle from the dealer, the battery was completely drained. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The dealer was informed that the battery was replaced three weeks prior. The contact requested that the dealer replace the coolant pump according to the recall notification, however the request was denied. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11715294

Incident

Jan 13, 2026

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the coolant warning light intermittently illuminated on several occasions. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that there was an electrical connector on the water pump that was exposed to water and that the water pump needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the manufacturer had removed the VIN from the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11692123

Incident

Jan 8, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer, who confirmed that recall parts were not yet available and advised the contact to wait for another notification to arrive when parts become available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11681502

Incident

Aug 19, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the messages "Engine Overheated" and "Please Pull Over" were displayed on the instrument panel. The contact replaced the water pump and the thermostat; however, the failure persisted, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The water pump and thermostat were replaced; however, the failure persisted, and the engine kept overheating. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The water pump and thermostat were replaced. The independent mechanic checked the electrical system. However, no cause for the failure was found. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11679826

Incident

Nov 11, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW 428i. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000(Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11677044

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

Mileage

63,000 mi

Recall #24V-609. Recall was issued in October 2024. My wife drives this car....BMW has no update. Need it repaired ASAP! Please inquire. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11674275

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

Inlet Hose Return

Fuel tank limited warranty for leakage, due to defects in materials or workmanship, has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date

Fuel tank limited warranty for leakage, due to defects in materials or workmanship, has been extended to 15 years/150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date

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.

The paint finish on the door jamb (above the door striker) is scratched due to the inner door cavity window seal.