The water pump in your vehicle's cooling system helps keep your engine temperature stable. Unfortunately, a faulty electrical connector on some models (like your 2012-2018 BMW) can get wet and short circuit.
Risk if Unfixed
If the electrical connector shorts out, it could cause a fire in your engine compartment. This is a serious situation that could lead to significant damage to your vehicle and potentially put you at risk.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect the water pump and replace it along with the electrical connector, and install a protective shield to prevent future issues. This repair is completely free to you, and you should schedule it as soon as you receive the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:VACUUM:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The vacuum hose in your vehicle's brake system is like a critical pipe that helps provide power to your brakes. In some 2012-2014 BMW models, this hose might not be well-lubricated, which could cause it to fail, disrupting brake power assistance.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake vacuum pump fails, you'll lose some of your vehicle's braking power. This could make it harder to stop your car, especially on steep hills or when driving at high speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will install a locking ring in your engine's camshaft to keep the brake system properly lubricated. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 BMW 328i xDrive Sports Wagon, 2012-2014 BMW 320i Sedan, 328i Sedan, 320i xDrive Sedan, 328i xDrive Sedan, 2012-2013 BMW 528i Sedan, 528i xDrive Sedan, 2013-2014 BMW X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2013-2014 BMW X3 xDrive28i Sports Activity Vehicle, 2012-2014 BMW Z4 sDrive28i Roadster, and 2014 BMW 428i Coupe, and 428i xDrive Coupe. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 13V-454.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a locking ring in the camshaft to retain the camshaft seal disk in the proper location, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
The brake power assist system in your vehicle uses a vacuum pump to help you stop safely. In some 2012-2014 models, this pump might not get enough lubrication, which could cause it to fail.
Risk if Unfixed
If the brake power assist pump fails, you'll experience reduced braking power, making it harder to stop your vehicle. This could increase the risk of a collision.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will modify the brake system to ensure the vacuum pump gets enough lubrication, so it keeps working properly – it's free, and you should schedule the repair when you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 320i, 328i, 320i xDrive, and 328i xDrive sedans; model year 2014 328i xDrive Sports Wagons; model year 2012-2013 528i and 528i xDrive sedans, model year 2013-2014 X1 sDrive28i and X1 xDrive28i vehicles and model year 2012-2014 Z4 sDrive28i roadsters. Due to insufficient lubrication, the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance may fail.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A failure of the brake vacuum pump results in a reduction in braking power that could increase the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will modify the vehicles to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication, free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
