2014 BMW 528I

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.

car was brought in for a recall could erupt fire from engine and electrical brought car to bmw 8/2025 have checked list when brought in car was in perfect condition per bmw .pick up car checked engine light was on brought back immediately manager took to shop and cleared light immediately came back on i called them then i drive screen was saying low coolant oil low drivetrain overheating oil leaks burning smell coolant smell etc called bmw na service manager etc waited for appointment 1/26 bmw had for 8 days only to say it had nothing to do with recall car now has no power excessive smoke smell undriveable been in garage for 3 months if ran would catch on fire 🔥

NHTSA ID

11745013

Incident

Aug 20, 2025

See attached document for complaint. Greetings: I am writing pursuant to recalls No. 24V‑608, both remedy unavailable and remedy available, ten months later. During the intervening ten months, I experienced hardship, expense and loss of use of my vehicle. The attached documents represent my correspondence to BMW Customer relations. The docs were submitted on September 22, 2025 and October 14, 2025, by email. I have received no response, to date; not even acknowledgement of receipt. I hereby submit my belief that BMW has some responsibility for failure to cure the smoke condition they knew about for ten months. Please note the BMW service inspection of August 14, 2025 in which it was stated that my warning lights passed the inspection. Meanwhile, the warning lights on my dashboard look like a “xmas tree”. I am being ghosted by BMW and I have no power, unless you say I do. Please help in any way which is fair. Thank You.

NHTSA ID

11708800

Incident

Nov 26, 2025

Incident Description: This complaint concerns both the lack of navigation system support and the unresolved recall status for my 2014 BMW 5 Series. 1.Navigation System: BMW no longer supports map or system updates for this vehicle, and no hardware or retrofit upgrade is available. The outdated GPS system results in inaccurate directions, missing roads, and potentially unsafe routes. BMW dealerships confirm there are no solutions, creating a long-term safety hazard for owners who rely on navigation systems. 2.Recall Incomplete: I have an open recall on this vehicle, but BMW dealerships have only responded with vague statements such as, “it should be coming soon.” There has been no formal notification, letter, or resolution from BMW. This lack of transparency and urgency in addressing safety recalls is unacceptable. 3.Unethical Service Tactics: BMW dealerships are often more focused on convincing customers to upgrade their vehicle than resolving legitimate service issues. Staff push expensive services and frame them as “complaints” on invoices—using high-pressure tactics to imply serious mechanical threats unless those services are purchased. This raises concerns about ethics and misrepresentation. This experience is based on NY but all BMW dealership operate same way overpricing and if you tell them a BMW dealership gives you less than what is on their quote, they want them to show it to you , reflecting their unethical manner to overprice everything when it comes to service or selling. Safety Concern: The combination of an unsupported navigation system and delayed recall resolution undermines vehicle safety and consumer trust. BMW's conduct demonstrates a disregard for long-term customer support and safety compliance. Resolution Requested: •Require BMW to provide retrofit or updated navigation options. •Enforce clear timelines and communication for resolving recalls. •Investigate dealership practices that prioritize upselling over safety and truthfulness.

NHTSA ID

11668430

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

While on [XXX] the car suddenly shows low engine oil. The car was driving from Fremont, CA to Los Angeles on Friday [XXX]. Then, coming back to Fremont, CA from LA on Sat. [XXX] It happened after [XXX] to [XXX] , warning light showed low engine oil. Stopped the car at safe place. Then, contacted the insurance to tow the car as well as my son to bring engine oil. After filled engine oil, then, warning light showed low coolant. Filled 3 gallons of water, but sooner later need to fill coolant again due to disappear. The car has been serviced by BMW Fremont, CA on Nov 30, 2024 with 87751 odometer. At the time of engine break down, odometer is about ~91,500 miles. Less than 4,000 miles driving, engine oil is gone somewhere. Based on initial assessment by mechanic, it needs to replace the engine. The car will be towed on June 19, 25 to the shop to repair. It is serious issues of safety and need your attention. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11667779

Incident

Jun 14, 2025

Electrical water pump cause car to catch fire. Car was on fire.

NHTSA ID

11664247

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

The contact owned a 2014 BMW 528i. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the electrical discharge warning light illuminated and the contact noticed fire coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss. The manufacturer was scheduled to perform an inspection of the vehicle. The contact was taken to the local medical center in a family member's vehicle. The contact sustained second-degree burns to his right ankle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. There was an open recall NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System), however the contact was unaware of the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 54,283.

NHTSA ID

11664013

Incident

May 30, 2025

Mileage

54,283 mi

Dear BMW Customer Service, I am writing to report a serious issue with my 2014 BMW xDrive 528i regarding the malfunction of the door locking system. Component/System Failure: Both the front and rear door actuators have failed simultaneously, causing the door locks to stop working. The door latches are non-functional and require immediate repair. The components are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: This malfunction compromises the security of the vehicle, posing a potential safety risk to myself and passengers, as the doors may not lock properly while driving or when parked. Confirmation of Problem: The issue has been inspected and confirmed by an independent repair shop, which diagnosed the door latches as defective and in urgent need of replacement. Manufacturer or Other Inspections: To date, the vehicle has not been inspected by BMW or any official representatives. I have not involved police or insurance representatives but would be willing to do so if necessary. Warning Signs: Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps or messages displayed on the dashboard indicating a problem. The door lock malfunction occurred suddenly without prior symptoms. Through my research, I learned that similar door actuator issues are being addressed under a recall for newer BMW models. Given that my 2014 vehicle experiences the same problem, I am concerned it has not been included in this recall. I kindly request BMW’s guidance and support to resolve this matter promptly to ensure the safety and proper functioning of my vehicle. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA ID

11662184

Incident

Mar 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2014 BMW 528I. The contact stated that the passenger’s side front and rear door lock actuators were malfunctioning. The contact stated that a passenger seated in the front seat can open the door from inside the vehicle, but while attempting to enter the vehicle from the outside using the door handle, the door failed to open. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side door could not be opened from inside or outside the vehicle. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that the door lock actuators were locking and unlocking independently. The contact stated the driver's side front and rear doors worked as needed. The contact stated that the key fob only operated the locking mechanism on the driver's side front and rear doors and was no longer locking or unlocking the passenger’s side front or rear doors. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was referred to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

NHTSA ID

11662183

Incident

Mar 10, 2025

Mileage

87,000 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.

Engine will crank but not start. There is no communication with the integrated fuel module (TFE) whendiagnosing with ISTA. The following two fault codes will be stored in the DME: 032B43 - Low fuel pressure system, electric fuel pump: pressure value too low CDA594 - Message (- 0x33E) missing, receiver DME, transmitter TFE

Customers may state that the alarm system (DWA) is not active after locking their unoccupied vehicle. Depending on the vehicle’s equipment and settings, no acoustic or optical confirmation (folding the mirrors/blinking confirmation) is noticeable. Additionally, the red anti-theft alarm LED in the interior mirror does not briefly flash every 2 seconds, indicating the alarm is armed.

The Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) warning light comes on while driving. The following DSC fault codes for the wheel speed sensors are stored: 480712 and/or 480715 and/or 480718 and/or 48071B They cannot be cleared, even though the wheel speed sensors work correctly and no problem can be found with the wiring harness.

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