2017 BMW 330E

Closed defect petition · opened January 27, 2023 · closed August 7, 2023 · led to recall 22V063000

the electrical system

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.

Still open engineering analysis · opened September 17, 2021

the air bags

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.

Hybrid battery has a failed cell. It was confirmed by BMW diagnostics but BMW refused to repair/replace failed cell even though it was under full 8yr/80k mile warranty. BMW claimed it as wear and tear, even though 1 out of 5 cells completely failed. The failure caused the car to run at reduced speeds causing others cars around me on the freeway to be in danger as all of sudden I am unable to reach freeway speeds due to part failure. There was an error stored in the car per BMW diagnostics that called for failed Cell to be replaced per notes of the technician who ran the diagnostics. The vehicle was inspected and confirmed by BMW. Yes, there was an error on the infotainment of the car. I …

NHTSA complaint 11751336, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Unsure of the exact cause, appears to be the high voltage battery/electric drive function that is faulty. It is creating a hazardous condition causing the vehicle to propel itself forward while driving in traffic and almost hitting other vehicles on the roadway when the electric drive fails or it switches between battery and the engine. If it’s not propelling itself forward, it’s unexpectedly decreasing power and preventing the vehicle from driving after stopping for traffic, traffic signals and traffic signs. Increasing the risk for a rear-end collision. The electric drive is failing & rapidly switching between battery & engine multiple times in a short period. Likely increasing risk for a …

NHTSA complaint 11678765, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Coolant lines How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The car would state that it is overheating a month after oil change and fluids replaced Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Dealer confirmed that there is a coolant issue Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? It has been inspected by the dealership. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Engine light, coolant low …

NHTSA complaint 11485383, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

45,000 miles

The contact owns a 2017 BMW 330E. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger’s side door handles were sticky, soft, and melting. There was also an unknown residue on the door handles. The contact attempted to clean the door handles but they continued to leave black residue on the occupant's hands. The local dealer was contacted but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA complaint 11477736. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Car won’t start, I brought a new battery and still won’t start. No electricity running through the car at all. I haven’t even had it a year yet. 44,000 miles on it!

NHTSA complaint 11441590. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

18,000 miles

WHILE THE CAR WAS PLUGGED IN OVERNIGHT IN THE GARAGE, (IT IS A HYBRID), A TERRIBLE ODOR WAS RELEASED AND CARBON MONOXIDE WAS DETECTED. FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TWICE (THIS OCCURRED TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW) AND DETECTED HIGH LEVELS OF CO FROM INSIDE THE CAR AND FROM THE HOOD. WE NEEDED TO EVACUATE THE HOUSE EACH TIME. GAS COMPANY AND PLUMBER CONFIRMED THERE WAS NO OTHER ISSUES IN GARAGE. UPON REMOVAL OF THE CAR, ISSUES NO LONGER PERSIST. BMW CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, BUT I REFUSE TO TAKE THE CAR BACK, GIVEN SAFETY FOR MY FAMILY. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, TURNED OFF, LOCKED, AND CHARGING OVERNIGHT.

NHTSA complaint 11269386. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.