BMW of North America, LLC. is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i

Sep 21, 2016 — Recall Campaign #16V683000

BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.

The recall was influenced by the manufacturer with about 3,606 units affected.

See recall notice

NHTSA Safety Recall Notice

16V683000

Manufacturer:	BMW of North America, LLC
Recall date:	September 21, 2016
NHTSA Campaign #:	16V683000
Units affected:	3,606

Description:: BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015 BMW X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive35i, X3 xDrive28d, X4 xDrive28i and X4 xDrive35i vehicles, and model year 2014-2015 X5 xDrive35i, X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, and 2014 X5 xDrive35d vehicles. The affected vehicles have a driver's frontal air bag inflator that may have been improperly welded.
Consequeces:: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator housing could separate from the base plate and result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
Corrective action:: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began on November 1, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes:: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Affects the following:

2015 BMW X3 Complaints
While driving under medium acceleration, vehicle made a loud popping noise and engine power was severely reduced. Drivetrain warning light immediately appeared and said vehicle could be driven but at reduced power and needed to be serviced soon as possible. At highway speeds on a major interstate, this created several close calls being struck by traffic while trying to reach a safe area on shoulder. On site inspection revealed the plastic turbo charge pipe had blown away from the throttle body. Pieces of plastic and metal were found in engine bay and under vehicle. Vehicle was driven to nearby residence and towed to closest suitable garage for more detailed assessment and repair. Facility confirmed the Air Duct, BMW part number 13717604033 had failed. Repair made costing approximately $825 US dollars.;
2015 BMW X4 Complaints
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);
2015 BMW X5 Complaints
Catastrophic Driveshaft U-Joint failure - BMW X5 - Production date? 09.22.2014 Repair was made by BMW Dealership. Noted similar recall on 2011-2014 models. I believe my car was an early 2015 production model and was effected by the same issue. Current mileage on the vehicle is 93,000 miles.;