2015 BMW I8

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.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

I purchased a 2015 BMW i8 (salvage title) from Parkline Motors. The vehicle history (Carfax) disclosed prior front/right damage, which I accepted. However, the dealership failed to disclose critical safety-related defects associated with that damage. Shortly after taking possession of the vehicle, I experienced a malfunction in the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System), which controls the airbag system. This is a serious safety issue, as it can affect proper airbag deployment. I also experienced a persistent alarm system malfunction that prevented me from locking the vehicle without triggering the alarm. When I took the vehicle to BMW for inspection, I was informed that the SRS malfunction was directly related to the prior accident damage. This indicates the issue existed prior to sale and should have been identified and disclosed by the dealership. I promptly notified Parkline Motors. They refused to take responsibility for the SRS safety defect and only offered limited assistance regarding the alarm system. The SRS issue remains unresolved and poses a significant safety risk. Parkline Motors engaged in: •Failure to disclose known material safety defects •Sale of a vehicle in unsafe condition •Negligent or deceptive business practices

NHTSA ID

11734106

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding a significant safety issue with my 2015 BMW i8. I purchased the vehicle from United BMW in Alpharetta, Georgia, on [XXX]. At the time of purchase, the car had 25,000 miles and now has 30,000 miles. Recently, the AC compressor in my BMW i8 failed catastrophically. Initially, the repair estimate was $4,000, which I approved. However, the next day, I received a revised estimate for $26,000 due to additional problems. This sudden increase in repair costs, along with the lack of clear communication from BMW, has been extremely frustrating. What is most concerning is the potential safety hazard posed by this failure. The AC system in the BMW i8 is integrated with the battery cooling system. Without a functioning AC, the batteries can overheat, which could lead to fires or other catastrophic events. This poses a significant risk not only to the driver and passengers but also to others around the vehicle. Despite contacting BMW Genius and being assigned a case manager, I was told that BMW would not assist with the repair due to the car's age, even though it only has 30,000 miles. The lack of empathy and support from both the dealership and BMW corporate has been disappointing. Given the potential safety risks associated with this issue, I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter promptly. This is a known problem with the BMW i8, as evidenced by numerous complaints online. It is crucial that this issue is addressed to prevent any potential harm. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to provide any further information or documentation required for your investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11601200

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

VEHICLE IS SAYING CHASSIS STABILIZATION ERROR WHICH I BELIEVE IS THE SAME AS DYNAMIC STABILIZATION. I DID SOME RESEARCH AND HAVE FOUND MY MAKE YEAR AND MODEL WAS RECALLED FOR THE SPECIFIC PROBLEM. THE BMW DEALERSHIP NEAR ME IS REQUESTING 2,500$ TO FIX THIS PROBLEM WHEN IT IS SUPPOSE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE. WHILE I STARTED MY VEHICLE ONE MORNING THE LIGHT CAME ON. IT WAS NOT WHILE I WAS DRIVING. IT FIRST SAYS INITIALIZING STABILIZATION AND THEN IT SAYS MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID

11362590

Incident

Sep 25, 2020

Mileage

28,000 mi

WHEN I DRING IN TO STREET FROM PARKING LOT, THIS VEHICLE DO NOT SPEED UP, IT IS STOP , NOT MOVING AT ALL FOR ABOUT 3 SECOND THAN KICK UP FAST. IT HAPPEN SOME TIMES NOT EVERY DAY, I WENT TO DEALERSHIP FOR FIX IT LIKE 4 TIME BUT THEY CAN NOT DUPULICATE THE PROBLEM AND CHECK THE SYSTEM BUT IT CAME OUT EVERYTHING NORMAL. BUT I HAVE THOSE PROBLEM LIKE ONE EVERY MONTH SPECIALLY WHEN I'M DRIVING LOW SPEED.

NHTSA ID

11004660

Incident

Apr 13, 2017

Mileage

10,860 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 BMW I8. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND A WARNING LIGHT INDICATED THAT THERE WAS EXTREME ENGINE HEAT. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND WAS ABLE TO RESTART IT, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED CONSTANTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE FAILURE WERE NOT PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,600.

NHTSA ID

10876098

Incident

Jun 22, 2016

Mileage

2,600 mi

The High-Voltage (HV) Battery Assemblys Cell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty for defects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as determined from the original in-service/first delivery date

The High-Voltage (HV) Battery AssemblysCell Modules Temperature Sensors (Internal NTC repair kit-specific) limited warranty fordefects in materials or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles asdetermined from the original in-service/first delivery date.

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.

At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when parking, maneuvering)with a large steering angle, the front end can be slightly axially misaligned. This can be felt (jerking)/ heard via an acoustic acknowledgement (clunk) as seen at the 11 second mark of the video. See attached video V36 01 21.

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 4 (HU-H4, also called MGU21) superseded the MGU starting with certain MY2021 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional. This uses map North America JOY. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.

The Headunit High (HU-H), also called NBT, began replacing the Car Information Computer (CIC) on certain MY2013 vehicles with option 609 (as of 7/2012 production). This uses map North America NEXT. The Headunit High 2 (HU-H2), also called NBT-EVO, superseded the NBT HU and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America EVO. The Headunit High 3 (HU-H3, also called MGU) superseded the NBT-EVO starting with certain MY2019 vehicles with option code 6U3 Live Cockpit Professional or 6U2 Live Cockpit Plus. This uses map North America LIVE. The ENTRY Media/Navigation (HU-B) is the low line business version of the navigation system and was introduced in 3/2014. This uses map North America ROUTE. The ENTRY NAV EVO (HU-B2) replaced Entry Media/Navigation as the low-line business version and was introduced in certain MY2018 vehicles. This uses map North America WAY.