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Campaign 13V454 Posted September 26, 2013 76,191 units

2012-2014 BMW Multi-Model Recall 13V454: Vacuum Pump

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published June 2, 2026

Recall 13V454 affects 76,191 2012-2014 BMW vehicles for brake vacuum pump lubrication failure. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 76,191 2012-2014 320I, 328I, 528I, X1 Sav, X3, and Z4 vehicles because insufficient lubrication can make the brake vacuum pump fail. A failed pump reduces braking assist and increases crash risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once the remedy is available.

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What's wrong?

The vacuum pump on affected 2012-2014 BMW 320I, X3, 528I, 328I, Z4, and X1 Sav vehicles supplies vacuum for the brake power assist system. That assist is the boost that helps your foot pressure on the brake pedal turn into strong hydraulic braking force. The basic brake system still uses brake fluid and calipers, but the pump helps reduce the effort needed at the pedal.

On these vehicles, the vacuum pump does not receive enough lubrication. Without proper lubrication, internal pump parts wear and the pump can stop supplying the vacuum needed for brake assist. When that assist is lost, the driver has to press the brake pedal harder to slow or stop the vehicle.

There is no warning sign before failure. The first thing an owner notices can be a brake pedal that feels unusually hard or braking that takes more leg force than normal.

Who's affected?

The scope spans the 320I, 328I, 528I, X1 Sav, X3, and Z4 across the 2012, 2013, and 2014 model years, with the brake vacuum assist system and related hose listed separately.

2013 BMW 320I hydraulic brake hose
2013 BMW 320I hydraulic brake system
2013 BMW X3 hydraulic brake hose
2013 BMW X3 hydraulic brake system
2012 BMW 528I hydraulic brake hose
Units affected76,191

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

Brake vacuum pump failure reduces braking power, which increases crash risk because the vehicle has less braking assist. Schedule the recall repair soon and drive cautiously until the vehicle is fixed. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2014 BMW 320I, X3, 528I, 328I, Z4, or X1 Sav is included in this recall.
  2. Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask about the free modification that improves vacuum pump lubrication for brake power assist.
  3. Reference recall number 13V454 when you call the dealer or BMW customer relations.
  4. Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one, or give the dealer your VIN and the recall number.
  5. Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and leave extra following distance because brake assist can be reduced if the vacuum pump fails.

What happens at the repair

The filing says BMW began this safety recall on January 31, 2014. At the dealer, a BMW technician modifies the vehicle to prevent insufficient vacuum pump lubrication. The work is aimed at the vacuum pump that supplies brake power assistance, so the repair focuses on keeping that pump properly lubricated. Parts and labor are covered by the recall. BMW owners can contact BMW customer relations for campaign handling details.

Timeline

September 26, 2013 NHTSA published the recall
January 31, 2014 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 13V454?

Recall 13V454 covers 76,191 2012-2014 BMW 320I, X3, 528I, 328I, Z4, and X1 Sav vehicles with a brake vacuum pump lubrication problem. If the pump fails, braking power is reduced and crash risk increases. BMW dealers modify the vehicles for free.

What should I do if my 2012-2014 BMW 320I, X3, 528I, 328I, Z4, or X1 Sav is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 13V454. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the vacuum pump lubrication modification. Reference recall number 13V454 when you call. The repair is free.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW dealers perform the vacuum pump lubrication modification free of charge. The safety recall began on January 31, 2014.

What is the safety risk?

The safety risk is reduced braking power if the brake vacuum pump fails. NHTSA campaign 13V454 says that reduction increases crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free dealer modification and ask BMW customer relations or the dealer about the safest way to handle the vehicle before repair.

What if I bought my BMW used?

The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 13V454 when scheduling the repair.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/13V454000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #13V454
NHTSA recall # (full)13V454000

Source documents

This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →