2015 BMW X4

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.

Description of the Problem: I am reporting a severe vehicle fire that occurred with my 2015 BMW X4 (VIN: [XXX}) on [XXX], while I was driving on [XXX] in Orlando, Florida. This was a life-threatening incident. I narrowly escaped death as flames suddenly engulfed the front of the vehicle while I was on the road. For nearly two hours, it felt like a horror show. I am still in shock. After checking my VIN on NHTSA’s recall database, I discovered that my vehicle is part of Recall Number 24V608, which is still "Incomplete" and had no remedy available. The recall clearly describes a fire risk caused by liquid from the PCV system dripping onto the engine coolant pump’s electrical connector, which may lead to a short circuit and possibly a fire. I strongly believe that this is exactly what happened in my case. I am not a technical expert, but based on the description provided by BMW and NHTSA, it appears this recall defect directly caused my vehicle fire. I had no warning, no remedy notice, and no chance to prevent this. This incident has been widely covered by local news and emergency response teams: WFTV News Coverage WESH 2 News Coverage Orlando-News Article Orlando Fire Department's Official Post on Twitter/X This could have been fatal. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the mental trauma, financial burden, and risk to others on the road were immense. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this case thoroughly and ensure that BMW is held accountable. These kinds of delays in remedies and safety actions are putting lives at risk. If needed, I can provide photos, videos, or any documentation you require. Contact Information: Name: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Email: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11655106

Incident

Apr 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11654956

Incident

Aug 31, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X4. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11644636

Incident

Feb 24, 2025

I have reached out to BMW Dealers twice and BMW America Co since October 2024, after receiving the recall notice of Engine Coolant Pump crankcase (No. 24V-608). However, they have been unable to confirm when the remedy will be available. I would like to file a complaint regarding BMW's delay in providing the remedy, which has now exceeded six months. This delay is taking too long, and BMW should prioritize customer safety by having the remedy available as soon as possible. Thank you for your attention to this matter to help.

NHTSA ID

11642060

Incident

Aug 13, 2024

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled a burning odor in the interior of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown.VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11625311

Incident

Nov 14, 2024

Vehicle cutting off in the middle of the road has happened three times from running A/C, sitting still, or driving.cant put vehicle in neutral as it locks up.15 min later it turns back on.Get a fuel supply and drive moderately MSG. I went to Nalley BMW dealership to explain my issues in concern that my BMW has safety defect that Poses an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety in that it exist for the same design or manufactured vehicle like mine that other common groups or experiencing. I expressed that it's hazard that can cause crashes or deaths in that the common groups has their fuel pumps replaced in that still didn't help the common issues while also getting a recall on my vehicle in was advised from my advisor to call BMW head quarters in the NHTSA bout my issue in concerns so y'all can have a open case in perhaps make a recall on this design vehicle in that I need to drive it for two weeks after the recall was done but as soon I drove my vehicle on 05/21/2024 it shut off on me again in the middle of the road.I notified my advisor in my service advisor recommended me to schedule a diagnostic the next day .May 22,2024 at 10:00 am. I did at my expense of $202.00 In my repair estimate total $8335.14 which is on hold my diagnostic scan needs Fuel pump replacement,faults pump module (ekps) Fuel system repair, programming in etc.This is not okay in I could've lost my life due to this negligence situation.

NHTSA ID

11591545

Incident

May 21, 2024

WHEN DRIVING THE BMW X4 THE VEHICLE WOULD BREAK ON ITS OWN, CAUSING A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE WHEN DRIVING ON THE ROAD AND FREEWAY. THIS CAUSED ME TO GET OFF THE ROAD IMMEDIATELY WITH THE RISK OF BEING HIT FROM THE REAR. WHEN I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR THEY SAID IT WAS THE CALIPERS AND BRAKE PADS THAT NEEDED REPLACED. WHEN THIS REPAIR TOOK PLACE, I TOOK THE VEHICLE HOME AND THE NEXT MORNING THE SAME THING HAPPENED WITHIN 1 MILE OF DIVING THE VEHICLE. THE CAR STARTED BRAKING ON ITS OWN. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, THEY KEPT THE CAR AND WERE ABLE TO RECREATE THE ISSUE. THE ISSUE WAS THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM FOR THE BRAKES ABS SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THIS REPAIR TOOK PLACE AFTER THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE DEALER FOR 6 WEEKS. (THERE WERE NO PARTS AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. OR GERMANY AND IT TOOK 6 WEEKS TO GET THE PART.) TODAY I RECEIVED MY VEHICLE BACK AND IT DROVE WITH NO BRAKING ISSUES. THERE WERE NO WARNING LAMPS, MESSAGES OR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM PRIOR TO THE FAILURE IN DECEMBER 2023.

NHTSA ID

11571770

Incident

Dec 25, 2023

The contact owns a 2015 BMW X4. The contact stated that while his wife was at a stop sign, the vehicle suddenly accelerated to approximately 90 mph and crashed into a garage door that was twenty feet away. There were no reported injuries, but the driver and rear-seat child occupant went to the hospital for medical assistance. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. There was no reported fire. The air bags did not deploy. The police were on the scene, but no report was provided. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105, 000.

NHTSA ID

11562051

Incident

Dec 12, 2023

Mileage

105,000 mi

Update - Recent F25 Air Bag Module Service Action

Wheel Arch Cover Return

While driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the top of the B-pillar(s) is heard.

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.

With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.