Takata recall
2012 BMW 128I airbags problems
23 complaints (74% of all complaints for this car). 2 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 74%
- crashes
- 2
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
BMW 128I airbags problems in other years
Related recalls
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.
Recall number 16V071000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
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 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 -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.
EA21002
What 2012 BMW 128I owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Takata recall -- after months of waiting for a replacement airbag, I received a notice from bmw in late september that the replacement part is available and that I should get my car in. I scheduled an appointment with kuni bmw on october 17, 2017 but they called that morning and said that they didn't have the parts but would call me when they do to reschedule. I followed up on october 30 and the service department said that they still can't help me but that I am on their priority list when the part comes in. So -- in spite of the fact that bmw has notified me that my car needs to be fixed, my local dealer can't do the job. It's been a month and there are no replacement airbags available!
Takata recall braman dealership in west palm beach will not schedule an appointment to have the airbag recall performed.
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 bmw 128i. While driving approximately 30 MPH and making a left turn into traffic, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The air bags deployed. As a result, metal fragments struck the contact's face and chest that required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local towing company. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was destroyed. The VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags). The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 bmw 128i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the part needed for the repair was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called bmw of henderson (261 auto mall dr, henderson, nv 89014, phone number: (702) 570-0278) and was informed that the part was not available for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 bmw 128i. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 16v071000 (air bags); however, the parts to do the repair were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer (coggin bmw of treasure coast in ft. Pierce (located at 4429 us-1, fort pierce, fl 34982; (772) 410-5155) was contacted and confirmed that the parts were not available for the recall remedy. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect. Updated 10/26/17*lj the consumer stated the vehicle was repaired according to the recall.
Recall driver airbag - cannot get it replaced by a dealer
I am still waiting for my takata airbags to be repaired.
Takata recall - recall has been pending for approximately 1.5 years and to date have not been contacted about having replacement part installed...vehicle is approaching six years of age, which is listed as the start of deterioration in the airbags
Takata recall I received a letter from bmw dated march 2016 notifying me of recall. Last week, I was at my bmw service department and inquired when I could bring my vehicle in for repair. I was informed that the parts are still not available and it is not known at this time when they will be available. I find it inexcusable that I am waiting for over a year to remedy this situation and in the meantime, bmw is potentially ignoring this recall and I am driving a vehicle that is admittedly unsafe while claiming that they are concerned for my safety.
Questions about the 2012 BMW 128I airbags
Does the 2012 BMW 128I have airbags problems?
Owners have filed 23 complaints about the airbags of the 2012 BMW 128I, 74% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2012 BMW 128I airbags problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 2012 BMW 128I airbags?
Yes, 2 recalls: 20V017000, 16V071000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the BMW 128I have bad airbags?
The BMW 128I model years with the most airbags complaints are 2013 (24 complaints), 2012 (23 complaints) and 2011 (15 complaints).
Other 2012 BMW 128I problems
Engine 6Fuel system 2Acceleration 1Brakes 1Electrical 1Seat belts 1
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