2017 BMW 440I

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.

Subject: Safety Defect Report – B58TU Oil Pump Failure Causing Sudden Vehicle Disablement I am submitting a safety defect report regarding BMW vehicles equipped with the B58 Technical Update engine, primarily model years 2019 to 2021 including 340i, 440i, 540i, X3 M40i, and Toyota Supra models using this engine variant. These vehicles utilize a variable displacement oil pump that contains an internal thermoplastic pressure-regulating component. Field reports indicate this internal component fractures, resulting in sudden loss or instability of engine oil pressure. Failures frequently occur during cold start operation in low ambient temperatures. In many cases, drivers receive limited or no actionable warning before drivetrain malfunction messages appear or the vehicle becomes disabled. Reported symptoms include: • Inability to measure engine oil level electronically • Oil pressure irregularities • Sudden drivetrain malfunction warnings • Engine shutdown or severe internal damage due to oil starvation Loss of lubrication can cause sudden vehicle disablement in active traffic or in freezing conditions. This creates a safety hazard due to immobilization and exposure risk. Repair costs for oil pump replacement commonly exceed $6,000 to $8,000, not including secondary engine damage. Owners cannot verify whether their vehicles contain the original thermoplastic pump or a revised metal-internal version, as parts catalog data now defaults to the updated component regardless of vehicle production configuration. Because this defect can lead to sudden loss of propulsion without adequate warning, I request formal investigation into this condition as a safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID

11721144

Incident

Feb 28, 2026

Took 2017 BMW 440i in for annual state inspection and maintenance. During inspection, service tech noticed that the plastic clip that holds the emergency brake lines in place had failed and needed to be replaced to prevent damage to the emergency brake cables. Service tech replaced the plastic clip with a metal bolt. My service advisor stated that a plastic clip should have never replaced a metal bolt that is used to protect the emergency brake cables. Have owned BMW’s since 1990 and numerous vehicles since 1968 when I obtained my driver’s license. Paid $804.47 to replace a plastic clip that would have cost nothing if a metal bolt had been used to start with. If the brake lines get damaged because the clip fails, you have no brakes on the vehicle. Spoke with BMW customer service and they said since the clip failed after the warranty period they would not reimburse the repair even though replacing a metal bolt on an emergency brake cable would prevent failure. A car that is garaged and only has 13,263 miles on it should not experience this type of failure. How many vehicles are on the road with failing plastic clips that allow brake lines to fail because a manufacturer decided to save money by taking a proven metal bolt and replacing it with plastic that fails with age.

NHTSA ID

11710856

Incident

Nov 21, 2025

The Passenger Restraint System was failing and is now constantly showing a Passenger Restraint System alert. It can not tell whether a passenger is in the seat or not. A local BMW specialist says it is a common issue with the passenger occupancy mat.

NHTSA ID

11588043

Incident

Dec 22, 2023

BMW 4 series has a TSB for leaking coolant this one is not listed but same part and part number is defective and leaking

NHTSA ID

11510556

Incident

Jan 1, 2023

CONVERTIBLE TOP LEAKS REAR PASSENGER SIDE AND DRIVER SIDE WHEN HEAVY RAIN AND WASHING MY VEHICLE WITH MY HOSE SPRAYER. HAVE REPORTED IT OVER AND OVER THEY'RE SAYING YOU CANNOT USE A HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE ON THE VEHICLE IT'S NOT HIGH PRESSURE. IT LEAKED WHEN TRAVELING DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND SITTING STEEL IN MY DRIVEWAY AS I WASHED IT IT ALSO LEAKS AFTER THEY RECENTLY FIXED THE VEHICLE WHEN THEY WASHED IT AND THEY'RE SAYING OH WE USE THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND THEY TOLD ME YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO USE A HIGH-PRESSURE HOSE TO WASH THE CAR.THIS HAS OCCURRED OVER A PERIOD OF YEARS

NHTSA ID

11361425

Incident

Jun 20, 2020

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.

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

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

?The front seat will not calibrate/initialize, and the stored faults cannot be deleted.