2018 BMW 430I

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.

I am reporting a potential safety defect involving water intrusion into the amplifier location on my BMW F33. According to the dealer's diagnosis, water entered the area containing the amplifier, causing failure of the audio system and the loss of audible safety warnings and alerts. As a result, the vehicle no longer provides audible safety notifications that are intended to warn the driver of potentially hazardous conditions. I believe this condition is caused by a design defect that allows water intrusion and creates an unreasonable safety risk. Research indicates BMW has issued technical service information addressing this condition. I have not taken possession of the vehicle because I am concerned about operating it without functioning audible safety warnings.

NHTSA ID

11754952

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The steering wheel airbag has a cut mark, and it feels softer than the rest of the airbag cover. It looks like it may be starting to open.

NHTSA ID

11741538

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

The car has experienced numerous coolant leaks according to the dealer and independent authorized service shops including: - turbo coolant lines - oil filter housing - auxiliary radiator - coolant pump - heat management module - upper radiator hose - expansion tank hose - various other coolant hoses All of this work has been done starting at 46,000 miles and continuing through the current mileage of 88,000 miles. Complete loss of coolant in system disabled the vehicle putting driver at risk of being stranded, potential permanent damage of motor due to overheating, and loss of use of the vehicle on numerous occasions. Low coolant warning indicator only comes on when the coolant tank is dangerously low. Most leaks have been detected from inspection and diagnostic testing by authorized service shops. The number of coolant leaks has cost over $10,000 in repairs and excessive depreciation of the vehicle causing financial hardship. Full service records are available upon request.

NHTSA ID

11738943

Incident

Feb 2, 2023

Oil Filter Housing failed causing immediate loss coolant rendering the vehicle inoperative.

NHTSA ID

11725522

Incident

Mar 4, 2026

2018 430i x drive gran coupe oil filter housing failed. Car started to overheat while driving and the infotainment system indicated that the car is overheating and started to decelerate.

NHTSA ID

11723706

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

A few months ago, June 18, 2025 my 2018 BMW 430i convertible, which has 57,202 miles on the odometer, alerted me that the passenger side restraint system was malfunctioning. BMW declined to address the issue. Now, I am receiving the same notification for the driver side. Once again, BMW refuses to provide repairs. This poses a significant safety risk, as my airbags could potentially deploy unexpectedly during normal driving, and my seatbelts may fail to secure me in the event of an accident. During my online search, I found a recall for the same issues, the same year and model; however, my VIN was not included in that recall. I am apprehensive about driving my vehicle, as it may be a potential death trap. I believe BMW needs to acknowledge and take responsibility for this serious dangerous defect. My car is currently at the dealership, so I do not have an invoice at this time. Can NHTSA help me with this issue?

NHTSA ID

11711900

Incident

Jan 7, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 BMW 430I. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for routine service, and the vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. The low coolant level warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) as a possible cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 66,690.

NHTSA ID

11680742

Incident

Oct 16, 2024

Mileage

66,690 mi

Disconnect coupling on cylinder head broke caused loss of coolant from engine. Overheated my Car damaged the engine and the car did accelerate when I was crossing a highway almost causing a collision

NHTSA ID

11679358

Incident

Jun 12, 2025

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original first in-service / delivery date.

The EVAP systems purge (vent) valve limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles as determined from the original in-service date.

EVAP SYSTEM PURGE (VENT) VALVE EXT LTD WTY (ELW) 15/150

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.

PRESSURE CONTROL VALVE (PCV) EXTENDED LTD WTY 15 YEARS/150,000 MILES