2019 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.

The contact owns a 2019 BMW 440I. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a hissing sound coming from the vehicle, and there was white smoke coming from the engine compartment and the exhaust system. The vehicle went into LIMP Mode, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a coolant leak and PCV failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ID

11725078

Incident

Aug 21, 2025

Mileage

60,000 mi

Emergency Call system failed. SOS warning on instrument cluster. In case of emergency the system is inoperative. This could provoke a Life/Death situation. Several other features are affected: Navigation system, Fuel mileage/distance monitor, Fuel level warning indicator, Clock display. Internet search support’s probable water leak into the Telematics Control Unit from the “Shark Fin” on the roof since it’s mounted right under it. There is a”Emergency Call Malfunction” displaying on the instrument cluster along with “SOS”. Note: there is an 8 volt back up battery in the system that has been confirmed operable therefore not the cause of failure. The problem started intermittently in the winter months of 2023 then failed entirely in winter of 2024.

NHTSA ID

11645095

Incident

Oct 1, 2023

BMW issued an extended warranty of 15 years/150k for a pressure control valve (PCV) failure for certain years/models that included my vehicle. While driving, the PCV failed causing a loud high pitch noise and white smoke billowing from my exhaust. Such an immediate failure while driving of this PCV valve should have been subject to a recall given the sudden and unexpected failure. I travel a lot for work and if this would have happened while travelling and out of town, it would have been a more serious incident in addition to the inconvenience. After have the PCV replaced, my vehicle's RPM's would drop at startup when put in reverse and/or back in drive, causing the vehicle to stall and jerk forward. This problem was never an issue prior to the PCV failure. Since the replacement my car has stalled numerous times placing myself in danger of having to hurriedly restart my car and "gun" the accelerator to prevent another stall. Because of this issue which I correlate directly to the PCV replacement, I am now being told the software needed to be updated. However, instead of being considered part of the PCV issue, they are charging 200 dollars to remedy. I'm sure others have reported issues similar to mine. Bottom line is that this whole issue should be subject to a recall and covered by BMW before someone's car stalls resulting in serious damages and injuries to vehicles and persons.

NHTSA ID

11623089

Incident

Oct 12, 2024

CAR WAS SLOWLY BEING DRIVEN INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN IT ACCELERATED TO FULL ENGINE RPM DID A BURNOUT UP OVER A CURB AND INTO A LAMP POLE CONCRETE BASE. BRAKES WERE BEING FULLY APPLIED TO NO RESULT CAR STOPPED MOVING AT LAMP POST BASE ENGIN AT FULL RPM RIGHT REAR TIRE BURNING. PUSHED OFF BUTTON TO STOP MOTOR

NHTSA ID

11182424

Incident

Jan 25, 2019

Mileage

108 mi

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.