2014 BMW 550I

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.

My engine keeps burning oil. Have to refill every 2 months. Needs repair or replaced engine. Purchased vehicle in 2023. Class action N63TU1

NHTSA ID

11722428

Incident

Jul 19, 2024

This is for a 2014 BMW 550i. Getting a red warning light indicating the passenger airbag is malfunctioning. The driver side had a recall but not the passenger. This is very dangerous and should be addressed. The dealership wants over $2,700 to fix it. Doesn't feel right. Reading on the message boards and sounds to be a common problem with these cars. Could use your help.

NHTSA ID

11611768

Incident

Aug 29, 2024

Passenger restraint system malfunction

NHTSA ID

11594246

Incident

Jul 28, 2023

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY CAR SUDDENLY STALLED NEARLY CAUSING A HUGE ACCIDENT, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE FUEL PUMP. I NOTICED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE ON PRIOR YEAR BMW MODELS SO CALLED BMW DIRECTLY AND THEY SAID THAT AT THIS TIME THERE IS NO RECALL IN EFFECT, IT SEEMS TOO COINCIDENTAL THAT I HAVE THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM AND FEEL VERY LUCKY NOT TO HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I HAVE NOTHING.

NHTSA ID

11210218

Incident

May 10, 2019

Mileage

60,000 mi

CLICKING NOISE AND STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. BMW ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROBLEM, THEY SAY WITH THE INTERACTIVE STEERING SYSTEM, BUT THEY DO NOT HAVE A FIX. SYMPTOMS ARE GETTING WORSE BY THE DAY AND I BELIEVE SAFETY IS AN ISSUE HERE.

NHTSA ID

11020748

Incident

Jul 24, 2017

Mileage

11,750 mi

THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL INJECTOR EITHER FAILS OR IS INCAPACITATED BY THE ECU FOR UNKNOWN REASONS. IN EITHER CASE THE DRIVE TRAIN IS PUT INTO A DIMINISHED MODE WHICH RENDERS THE VEHICLE UNDER POWERED AND ALSO EVENTUALLY EMIT WHITE SMOKE. ONCE IN THIS DEMINISHED MODE ESPECIALLY ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE IS A HAZARD TO DRIVE AS IT CAN BARELY KEEP UP WITH THE SPEED LIMIT AND IN SOME SITUATION WILL NOT ALLOW FOR EMERGENCY MANUVERS DUE TO LACK OF POWER. IN MY CASE THERE WERE TWO PREVIOUS INCIDENTS THAT WERE RESET BY THE DEALERSHIP WHICH INDICATED IMPENDING FAILURE UNTIL THE 3RD INCIDENT IN WHICH THE PUMP LEAKED FUEL INTO THE CYLINDER CAUSING THE WHITE SMOKE. THIS SMOKE IN ACCESS CAN ALSO BLIND THE CAR BEHIND YOU. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I ALSO CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICES AND ENQUIRED ABOUT ANY RECALLS AND THAT ALL FUEL INJECTORS SHOULD BE REPLACED. THEY REPLIED IN THE NEGATIVE AND SUGGEST I TALK TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP.

NHTSA ID

11002929

Incident

Jun 28, 2017

Mileage

47,000 mi

N63TU1 CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT SVC CAMPAIGN: OIL CONSUMPTION DIAGNOSIS/REPAIR

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.