2010 BMW M3

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.

Parked on a slight hill, shifted out of drive and applied the ebrake by pulling up firmly. Unbucked my seat belt, opened the door, and got out of the vehicle. Left the door open to go in my house, grab my wallet, and come back. The car stayed in neutral instead of shifting into park which should have happened but multiple components of the car failed to detect me exiting (door latch sendor, software, seat sensor, seat belt sensor). Leaving the car in neutral meant the parking brake was all that was available to hold the car. As it turns out, the electronic brake was not strong enough to do so, and the car rolled down the hill hitting another car, pushing that car into a structure and causing my car to be totaled. This never happened before but due to car not shifting into park with exiting, the vehicle became a rolling hazard putting all people and property around it at risk. I did not hear or see any warning messages as I had exited the car as I had always done previously. I should not have to turn off the car (press power on/off) to engage park or there should be a "park" button like most cars. Given there is no labeled park, the system gives you no indication of what steps you have to take if autopark doesn't engage. My car has been totaled and released to copart. It may be available for inspection from them.

NHTSA ID

11533410

Incident

Jul 18, 2023

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 BMW M3. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW OF DALLAS, 6200 LEMMON AVE, DALLAS, TX 75209 (972) 763-5528) STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE ON BACKORDER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11054116

Incident

Dec 12, 2017

HEY MY NAME IS [XXX] , I JUST RECENTLY PURCHASE A USED BMW M3 FROM A BMW DEALERSHIP ON 06/11/17. AFTER A FEW MONTHS OF USING THE CAR MY MOTOR GAVE A ROD KNOCK WHICH IS A COMMON KNOWN PROBLEM ACCORDING TO THE DATABASE. I REALLY NEED HELP WITH THIS SITUATION. THIS HAPPENED TO BE ON THE WAY FROM FLORIDA WHICH WAS 500 MILES FROM MY HOUSE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11045838

Incident

Nov 1, 2017

Mileage

69,024 mi

TAKATA RECALL. MANUFACTURER STILL DELAYING REMEDY FOR MY VEHICLE. (IT'S BEEN A YEAR AND A HALF SINCE THE RECALL) I'M DRIVING THE CAR WITH LIFE THREATENING RISK EVERYDAY IN FEAR. PLEASE ENFORCE REPLACEMENT REMEDY ASAP.

NHTSA ID

11011363

Incident

Feb 5, 2016

ROD BEARINGS FAILED DUE TO A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. MANY BMW M3'S SUFFER THIS ISSUE BECAUSE IF THE TIGHTNESS OF THE ENGINE WHICH LEADS TO OIL STARVATION AND METAL SHAVINGS BEGIN TO DESTROY THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW HOURS, I START THE CAR TO DISCOVER A TICKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE. UPON CHECKING THE OIL, I HAVE FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL.

NHTSA ID

11002582

Incident

Jun 25, 2017

Mileage

63,000 mi

THE OEM WIRING INSULATION IN THE HEADLIGHT HOUSING HAS FLAKED OFF. THE BARE WIRES CAUSED AN ELECTRICAL SHORT WHEN I REPLACED A LIGHT BULB. BMW SAYS THAT THE ONLY REPAIR IS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE HOUSING FOR $2100. THIS WILL NEED TO BE DONE ON THE OTHER SIDE EVENTUALLY, AS THE INSULATION IS DETERIORATING IN THAT HOUSING AS WELL. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN MANY DIFFERENT MODELS BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF WIRING THAT WAS SPECIFIED BY BMW JUST DOES NOT HOLD UP UNDER HIGHER TEMPERATURES. KNOWING THAT IT WILL BE SUBJECT TO HIGHER TEMPERATURES IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT IS A DESIGN OVERSIGHT AND WILL LEAD TO DANGEROUS MALFUNCTIONS WHEN OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT IS JUST A MATTER OF TIME.

NHTSA ID

11000488

Incident

Feb 26, 2017

Mileage

54,000 mi

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A LETTER FROM BMWNA IN MARCH 2016. MORE THAN 6 MONTHS LATER, THE PARTS IS STILL NOT AVAILABLE FROM TAKATA FOR RECALL WHEN I CALL THE BMW DEALERSHIP, I AM TOLD I WILL RECEIVE ANOTHER LETTER FROM BMWNA WHEN THE PARTS IS AVAILABLE. I AM VERY CONCERN ABOUT MY SAFETY.

NHTSA ID

10926180

Incident

Nov 15, 2016

TAKATA RECALL BMW NOTIFIED US IN MARCH 2016 THAT IT WAS DOING A RECALL. SINCE THEN THEY HAVE NOT CONTACTED US. I SENT THEM AND EMAIL TODAY AND GOT AN AUTOMATED RESPONSE SAYING, IN ESSENCE, THEY WOULD GET TO IT SOME TIME IN THE FUTURE. GIVEN THE DANGER AND RISK INVOLVED A SIX MONTH (AND PROBABLY MUCH LONGER) WAIT FOR A REPAIR IS UNREASONABLE AND INCONSISENT WITH THE LAW., PLEASE URGE THEM TO MOVE FORWARD.

NHTSA ID

10909857

Incident

Sep 26, 2016

Mileage

22,400 mi

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.

Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

Vehicle cannot be opened or closed using comfort access, engine start is not possible, and the vehicle may not start when placing the key against the steering column.

The footwell module (FRM) cannot be encoded after replacement.

Diagnosis of Compound Brake System Complaints in M Vehicles: 1. Visible cracks are caused by high thermal stresses during rapid heating and cooling of the brake discs. Braking from high speed with cold brake components (less than 212 degrees F) increases the likelihood of cracks to form.

Discharged Battery Energy Diagnosis Must Be Performed: 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. In order to properly repair the vehicle the first time in the workshop, it is very important that the diagnostic test plans are performed to completion, with all results taken into consideration. Without performing the energy diagnosis test plan, the root cause of the discharged battery cannot be identified. This increases the chances of a repeat repair.