2016 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.

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X4. The contact was notified 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 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 manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11673979

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X4. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine temperature warning light was illuminated. The engine overheated, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle was stuck in the middle of the street. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to the warranty company; however, the contact was informed that the failure was an electrical failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,777.

NHTSA ID

11646352

Incident

Feb 18, 2025

Mileage

69,777 mi

The contact owns a 2016 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 unavailable. 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

11638252

Incident

Sep 15, 2024

My daughter [XXX] had an oil change on 2-23-2024, and was told that fluid was leaking. In less than 2 weeks, the leakage had worsen. All the electrical components were flashing and the vehicle was cutting on and off. Eventually it stopped running. Her fiance, [XXX] , had the vehicle towed to an auto repair shop that specializes in European cars on 3-25-2024. She was quoted for a new engine, cost $12,500, which was about the same as what was owed. Since we couldn't afford the cost of a new engine, we did a voluntary surrender to the finance company, Foursight Capital. They sent us a notification for an Explanation of Calculation of Surplus or Deficiency. Had we been informed about the recall from the NHTSA failure to adequately remedied for a defective vehicle within a reasonable time, just maybe this problem would have not occurred. Now I'm stuck with a bill and no longer have the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11609802

Incident

Mar 25, 2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW X4. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal popping noise was coming from vehicle while driving over a speed bump or while turning the steering wheel in either direction. The contact stated that no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed; the diagnostic test showed that the control arm was defective. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11577529

Incident

Feb 15, 2024

Mileage

89,000 mi

After starting vehicle and putting it into drive, I received a Parking Brake Malfunction error message. The electronic parking brake was engaged and it could not be release allowing the vehicle to move. I attempted to reset the electronic parking brake following the dealerships recommendations. 1) remove and replace the fuses for the parking system (3 fuses) and 2) disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes and re-connecting the battery in order to reset the computer. Neither of these methods worked, and there is no way to manually release the parking brake. Ultimately, the vehicle was towed to the local BMW dealership for service. They have not been able to diagnose or fix the issue. thankfully, the malfunction happened while pulling out of the garage, and not at speed on the interstate. That could have been disastrous. This appears to be a serious engineering flaw in BMW vehicles equipped with electronic parking brake systems.

NHTSA ID

11540779

Incident

Aug 20, 2023

Vehicle was involved in a collision with right/ passenger front and side of vehicle. whole bumper knocked off. left front tire broke off during collision. Passenger side curtain air bag deployed. Stirring air bag did not deploy nor did the curtain airbag on driver side. Passenger injured with broken nose and face injury during collision.

NHTSA ID

11516411

Incident

Apr 7, 2023

Vehicle has stalled while in operation (at speed) 5 times since owning. All were very dangerous situations for my wife and surrounding drivers. All issues were apparently "fuel system" related. I purchased this vehicle on May 11, 2018 (POC) from Fields BMW South Orlando, FL. The car was most recently brought in for repair for a continued issue on May 3, 2021. Vehicle has never been in a wreck and has roughly 73K miles. •5/31/2018 – Issue with fuel system. Car started shaking and would not start. 2 weeks after purchase. •6/05/2018 – Issue with fuel system. Vehicle stalls while in operation. •8/21/2018 – Vehicle is losing acceleration while driving. Drive train malfunction light comes on. •3/5/2019 – Check engine light on. Faulty tank ventilation pressure switch. •6/23/2020 – Car stalls while driving (35 mph+) and strands me in the middle of an intersection. Car will not switch out of park. Police had to come to move the vehicle. Very dangerous situation. Wife is driving, 3 months pregnant at this time. •8/15/2020 – Car stalls while driving. Again, driving around 30+ mph. Wife had to quickly pull the car to the median. Dangerous situation. Car will not switch out of park. Wife is driving, 5 months pregnant. •5/3/2021 – Car stalls while driving. Luckily able to coast into a gas station under no power. Car will not switch out of park. Wife stranded with no AC with 3-month-old baby and 9 yr. old daughter. - 5/17/2021 - Transfer Case Needs Replacement Besides the fuel system issues, I believe there is a dangerous feature with this vehicle in that it cannot be switched out of park when it loses power. Being stuck in the middle of an intersection and unable to move a car into neutral (even with police officer) is extremely dangerous. Vehicle was inspected by a BMW TSE for transfer case issue. They say it needs to be replaced. This vehicle is a danger and should not be on the road.

NHTSA ID

11423835

Incident

May 3, 2021

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.

A noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either forwards or backwards. This can occur to the driver’s and/or the passenger’s front seat.

This situation can result in two customer complaints: 1. Wind noise 2. Excess water entry