What 20 owners told NHTSA about the 2014 BMW 335i

SUBJECT: Catastrophic Steering Failure and Erroneous Safety Recall Notification - 2014 BMW 335i 105,000 milles INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: While driving, the vehicle completely lost steering control. The electronic steering rack disengaged due to a failure in the aluminum mounting bolts. This incident resulted in a near-fatal accident in which the vehicle almost left the road and fell into a ravine. I have 360-degree camera video showing my steering wheel locking up and me struggling to survive. If you contact me, I can provide the video evidence. TECHNICAL BASIS: This failure matches the criteria described in BMW Technical Service Bulletin TSB 01 15 16 (and the previous NHTSA recall 14V-632), regarding corrosion and shearing of the aluminum bolts of the EPS (Electronic Power Steering) system. SAFETY REPORT VIOLATION (CRITICAL): The primary concern of this investigation is a significant discrepancy in the safety reports. When checking the official NHTSA.gov portal for this specific VIN, the system shows "0 open recalls." Similarly, the BMW recall portal also shows 0 open recalls. However, a thorough search of the history through third-party vehicle audit systems reveals four ACTIVE SAFETY RECALLS that have never been addressed: Driver's Front Airbag (Takata): High risk of shrapnel. Inflatable Side Curtain Airbag: Deployment failure. Fuel Pump: Risk of sudden engine stalling. Exterior Lighting/Reflectors. DAMAGES: As a result of this mechanical failure and BMW's failure to accurately report the open safety recalls for this vehicle, I have been diagnosed with severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and am currently under medical treatment. I have my medical diagnosis, which states that I developed PTSD as a result of my accident. I now depend on my mother to drive; the mere thought of getting into a car causes me intense fear. I cannot drive without being afraid. The vehicle is currently insured and available for inspection as evidence of this catastrophic failure.

NHTSA ODI 11716516

After the car is shut off, the coolant pump will stop with the car but after a min the car will stay off but the coolant pump will kick on. Runs until battery is drained. I do understand there is a feature to circulate the coolant so help mitigate burn/hot spots but this continues until the battery is disconnected by ECU. Then it won't start because the battery is too low. Ongoing issue for the past 2 years now, happens intermittently. Frequency is random but happens more when it's cold out. But average happens a few times a week when cold out, sometimes it runs well for a few weeks then starts happening again. We had tried to troubleshoot by BMW but no luck. They have replaced battery, alternator, have tried to diagnose about 4 times now but they haven't fixed it since they can't replicate at the BMW Shop. I can hear the coolant pump running as well as feel the water moving. Also tested by Fluke Meter, it drains at about 40 amps (at 12 volts) when this happens, with the car off. Doing anything (opening doors, trunks, locking, unlocking, stops it for a minute but then pump starts again). No errors pop up for it except when the battery is low and then error battery had high discharge pops up.

NHTSA ODI 11629527

The backup camera flipped upside down. It's not a physical malfunction, but a software or computer issue. This is a known problem with BMW 3 Series from 2014 and other years. This is not considered a recall. The image on the camera is now reversed, which is a safety hazard. BMW will only inspect and fix the issue for hundreds if not thousands of dollars. There have been no warning lamps, messages or otherwise.

NHTSA ODI 11584112

THE SYMPTOM: THE CAR MISSES OR SHUTTERS UNDER LOAD. THE DEALERSHIP INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE HAS 80K MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN MY OPINION FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE WITH AVERAGE MILES AND CONTINUALLY SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND DRIVEN BY TWO PEOPLE. TODAY I READ ABOUT A RECALL FOR A 2014 MODEL 328D THAT REQUIRES REPLACE THE CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT AND INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. I SUSPECT THE SAME FAULTY PART COULD ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF MY NOW FAULTY TRANSFER CASE.

NHTSA ODI 11534907

The airbags is displayed as not working/off. The blind spot warning, and the lane keeping assistance does not function. There was an incident that happened where I hit a pot hole and ended up hitting a construction cone. No warning signs went off and my car wasn’t assisted yo avoid the cone.

NHTSA ODI 11530365

On Sunday, 6/18/2023, a little after 9pm, I was STOPPED at a traffic light outside the Shell station at 600 S Michigan St, Seattle, WA. Whilst waiting for the traffic light to turn green, the sunroof exploded from the inside out! (Traffic camera should confirm the sudden hole in my sunroof) It was an EXTREMELY loud bang and initially I thought someone threw a large rock at my cars' window. However, I didn't see anyone on the street. My second thought was that I was being shot at - and quickly made the right turn onto 6th Ave. S. I then got out because I was confused that I could hear glass pieces. Once I got out of the car I could see that the sunroof had exploded outward! Thankfully I had the shade above my head closed, otherwise I would have been showered in EXTREMELY sharp glass bits. WEATHER: it was in between rain showers. The road was dry. The temperature was normal cool weather; maybe 65F. It was overcast. WARNING INDICATORS: There were no warning indications prior to the explosion. The car was running great. Service of the car was up-to-date! OTHER INFO: I had the car serviced January 4th ~ 5th; EVERYTHING that BMW suggested, I agreed to! To the tune of over $5000! SAFETY: Just a moment before the sunroof exploded, I was travelling on I5 - had it happened on the freeway, the sunroof might have been pulled out into traffic behind me. It would have caused a serious accident, especially if a Motorbike was behind me. Thankfully I was stopped and other drivers were not affected.

NHTSA ODI 11528196

I was driving on the highway when my sunroof exploded. I thought someone shot at me.

NHTSA ODI 11520526

Climate control safety defect. TSB SI B64 06 13 was completed, defect still exists. It happens in both recirculate and fresh air settings. Upon driving in humid conditions climate control becomes inop. Evaporator ices over and fan makes loud noise but no air comes out of vents. This creates a dangerous situation as defrost/fog setting is inop and you can’t clear the windshield or see to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11474641

Car caught on fire

NHTSA ODI 11458488

Driver airbag did not deploy. I hit the steering wheel with enough force to break the steering column.

NHTSA ODI 11425215

EVERY TIME I GO FROM I93 MASS TO I90 HWY ON THE EXIT MY CAR SHUTS OFF FOR 3SEC AND RESTARTS THE ELECTRONICS. NOT SURE WHAT DEFECT OR SENSORS ARE IN THE AREA THAT CAUSES THIS MALFUNCTION. BUT THIS ONLY HAPPENS WHEN I TAKE THE SAME EXACT EXIT EVERY SINGLE TIME.

NHTSA ODI 11362496

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR WAS READING THAT IT HAD GAS, THEN SUDDENLY IT CAME TO A STOP, ON THE HIGHWAY, THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, AND IT WAS FOUND THAT THE FUEL LEVEL SENSOR HAD DIED MAKING THE CAR THINK IT HAD GAS WHEN IT IN FACT HAD NONE. THE DEALER WANTS TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TANK FOR $2700, THIS ISSUE IS INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS AS IT CAN LEAVE ANYONE STRANDED ANYWHERE. THIS CAR IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD AND THIS ISSUE CAN BE FOUND ON BMWS MUCH OLDER THEN THAT. BMW KNOWS ABOUT THE ISSUE, THEY KNOW IT IS DANGEROUS AND THEY CHOOSE TO CONTINUE MAKING CARS WITH THIS IS ISSUE. AS FAR AS I CAN TELL BMW DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE DRIVERS OF ITS CARS AND ONLY CARES ABOUT MAKING MONEY BY SELLING DEATH TRAPS TO PEOPLE. IF YOU WANT TO BE LEFT STRANDED AND RISK GETTING KILLED ON THE HIGHWAY OR GETTING STRANDED IN THE MIDDLE OF NO WHERE, BY A BMW. IF NOT, BUY A MERC OR AUDI. THIS ISSUE CAN HAPPEN IF THE CAR IS UNDER WARRANTY AS WELL. ANY BMW THAT USES THE GAS TANK FROM THE F30 3 SERIES IS EFFECTED, AS WELL AS BMWS AS FAR BACK AS THE E46. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11331264

THE SYMPTOM: THE CAR MISSES OR SHUTTERS UNDER LOAD. THE PROBLEM STARTED AS INTERMITTENT BUT IS BECOMING WORSE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS INFORMED ME TODAY THAT THE CAR NEEDS A NEW TRANSFER CASE. THE VEHICLE IS A JUST OVER 6YRS OLD WITH 82K MILES. THIS IS A MAJOR DRIVETRAIN FAILURE IN MY OPINION FOR A CAR OF THIS AGE WITH AVERAGE MILES AND CONTINUALLY SERVICED BY THE DEALERSHIP AND DRIVEN BY TWO OLD PEOPLE. TODAY I READ ABOUT A RECALL FOR A 2014 MODEL 328D THAT REQUIRES REPLACE THE CONSTANT-VELOCITY JOINT AND INSPECT THE TRANSFER CASE, REPLACING IT IF NECESSARY. I SUSPECT THE SAME FAULTY PART COULD ALSO BE THE CAUSE OF MY NOW FAULTY TRANSFER CASE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11329053

THIS PROBLEM CONCERNS THE DOOR LATCHES ON THE BMW 335I (F30 GENERATION). THE PROBLEM I HAVE NOTICED IS THAT ONCE IN A WHILE, THE DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK WHEN PULLING THE LATCH. TYPICALLY, YOU WOULD PULL THE DOOR HANDLE ONCE, UNLOCKING THE CAR, AND ONCE AGAIN TO OPEN THE DOOR. WHEN THIS PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF, PULLING ON THE HANDLE DOES NOT UNLOCK THE CAR. ONLY THE ELECTRONIC BUTTON CAN BE USED TO UNLOCK IT. IT PROBLEM COULD CAUSE DANGER IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS NO LONGER WORKING AND COULD LEAVE ONE TRAPPED INSIDE OF THEIR CAR. THE PROBLEM PRESENTS ITSELF INTERMITTENTLY. I HAVE ONLY NOTICED THE PROBLEM HAPPEN WHEN PARKED. I BELIEVE THAT THE LOCK ACTUATOR IS THE FAULTY COMPONENT HERE. EVEN WHEN USING THE ELECTRONIC BUTTON TO UNLOCK THE DOOR, YOU CAN SEE THAT THE LOCK INDICATOR (THAT SMALL THING ON THE SIDE OF YOUR DOOR) GOES UP MUCH SLOWER THAN THE OTHER UNAFFECTED DOORS. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11325452

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL FROM THE ENGINE TO THE UNDERCARRIAGE COMPARTMENT, WHICH THEN SPILLED ONTO THE GARAGE FLOOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF FREMONT (LOCATED AT 5720 CUSHING PKWY, FREMONT, CA 94538, (510) 224-4820) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAL GASKET OIL PAN HOSE AND PUMP NEEDED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE RISK OF A FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 26,800.

NHTSA ODI 11204422

REAR TAIL LIGHT CONNECTORS MELT JUST LIKE A RECALL OF PREVIOUS 3-SERIES BMW'S. NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000. GETTING NOTIFICATION OF BLINKER FAILURE, DEALERSHIP NOTIFIED ME THAT THE CONNECTOR HAD MELTED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY EXPENSE. THE LIGHT BULBS ARE STOCK AND HAVE NEVER BEEN REPLACED.

NHTSA ODI 11163589

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 32,800.

NHTSA ODI 10914255

DRIVING ON 4 LANE ROAD AT 40MPH WHEN 2104 BMW 335I XDRIVE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED TOTAL FAILURE-STARTING WITH THE NAVIGATION SCREEN THEN THE ENTIRE DASHBOARD WENT BLACK AND ENGINE SHUTDOWN (ALL IN FEW SECONDS). THERE WAS NO SHOULDER (CONCRETE CURB) SO VEHICLE CAME TO STOP IN THE RIGHT LANE. HEADLIGHTS WERE "STUCK" ON BUT NOTHING ELSE WORKED INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS! CONTACTED BMW ASSIST BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO HELP BUT SENT OUT POLICE AND TOW TRUCK. CAR WOULD NOT SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND WAS DRAGGED ONTO A FLATBED DAMAGING THE VEHICLE. THIS WAS EXTREMELY FRIGHTENING! WE COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED OR KILLED AS CARS WERE BEARING DOWN ON US THEN SWERVING AS WE COULD NOT WARN THEM WITHOUT EMERGENCY FLASHERS. BEFORE SOMEONE IS INJURED/KILLED, THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED STARTING WITH WHY DOES THIS VEHICLE NOT "FAIL-SAFE"?--I.E., WHERE THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS WORK AND TRANSMISSION CAN BE SHIFTED INTO NEUTRAL? THANK YOU!! *TR

NHTSA ODI 10669921

WAS DRIVING IN RAIN, STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT WITH START/STOP ENABLED AND IN STANDBY MODE. WHEN SIGNAL TURNED GREEN VEHICLE STRUGGLED TO COME TO LIFE AND STALLED WITH MESSAGE ON I-DRIVE SAYING DRIVETRAIN MALFUNCTION AND AFTER A FEW ATTEMPTS TO BRING THE ENGINE BACK TO LIFE WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THROUGH THE INTERSECTION AND PULL OVER TO THE CURB AFTER WHICH THE ENGINE WOULD STILL STRUGGLE TO IDLE AND TRANSMISSION REFUSED TO ENGAGE DRIVE MODE. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND THEY SAID THE LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND REPLACED IT AND CLAIM THE ISSUE IS FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10663713

SUDDEN AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WHILE VEHICLE IS RUNNING/MOVING (BRAND NEW 335I 2014). HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONED(COMPLETE FAILURE) WHILE MERGING ON TO LANE AT BUSY AIRPORT GATE RAMP. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS (CHECK ENGINE LIGHT) OR PARTIAL LOSS OF POWER BUT, I DID GET A TOTAL AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER WITH A SUDDEN VEHICLE STOP. BUS BEHIND ME ALMOST RUN INTO ME! THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED AND I WAS NOT ABLE TO RE-START. AFTER A WHILE AIRPORT POLICE CAME AND HELP ME MOVE THE CAR OUT OF BUSY INTERSECTING/MERGING LANES RAMP. ON THIS AUTOMATIC VEHICLE, IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL, WHEN ENGINE DOES NOT START. (I WAS LUCKY THAT I WAS NOT IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY FREEWAY) BMW 335I HAD ISSUES WITH FUEL PUMP A FEW YEARS BACK AND IT COULD BE BACK AGAIN. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK TO DRIVERS OUT THERE. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10626436