Recall 14V176 affects 156,137 2010-2012 BMW vehicles with VANOS housing bolts that can loosen and cause stalling. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 156,137 2010-2012 vehicles, including the 128I, 335I, X5 Sav, and Z4, because bolts in the VANOS variable camshaft timing housing can loosen over time and break. If that happens, the engine can lose power or stall, increasing crash risk, and the BMW dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The variable camshaft timing adjustment unit, often called VANOS on BMW engines, controls when the engine valves open and close. On the 2010-2012 BMW models in this recall, that timing helps the engine breathe correctly as speed and load change. Bolts hold the VANOS housing in position so the adjustment unit stays aligned with the camshaft.
The problem is those housing bolts loosen over time and break. Once the bolts lose clamping force, the VANOS unit is no longer held firmly in place. Valve timing then slips out of the range the engine control system expects, and the engine can run rough, lose power, or stop running.
There is no warning sign before failure. If the bolts have already loosened, the first thing an owner notices can be rough running, reduced power, or an engine warning light after the timing system is already affected.
Who's affected?
Body styles include passenger cars and SUVs across the 2010-2012 model years, all tied to the engine component.
| 2011 BMW 128I | Engine |
|---|---|
| 2010 BMW 128I | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 135I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 135I | Engine |
| 2010 BMW 328I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 535I | Engine |
| 2010 BMW X3 Sav | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 640I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X3 Sav | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 528I | Engine |
| 2012 BMW X5 Sav | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X5 Sav | Engine |
| 2012 BMW X6 Sav | Engine |
| 2011 BMW X6 Sav | Engine |
| 2010 BMW X5 Sav | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 335I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 328I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 535I Gran Turismo | Engine |
| 2012 BMW 535I Gran Turismo | Engine |
| 2010 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2011 BMW 335I | Engine |
| 2011 BMW Z4 | Engine |
| 2010 BMW 535I Gran Turismo | Engine |
| Units affected | 156,137 |
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?
Loose or broken VANOS housing bolts can reduce engine power or cause the engine to stall. A stall in traffic raises crash risk, so schedule the repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2010-2012 BMW 128I, 135I, 328I, 535I, X3 Sav, 640I, 528I, X5 Sav, X6 Sav, 335I, 535I Gran Turismo, or Z4 is included in this recall.
- Contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for current repair timing, since the remedy status is not listed in this file.
- Reference recall number 14V176 when you call BMW or a franchised BMW dealer.
- Ask about the VANOS housing bolt replacement that fixes the loose bolts tied to reduced engine power or stalling.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one to you.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the 4 VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units, covering the intake and exhaust sides of the variable camshaft timing system. The repair addresses bolts that secure the VANOS housing after they loosen or break. BMW's remedy states that the replacement is free of charge, and the final dealer repair will be free once available through BMW service.
Timeline
| April 10, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 24, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V176?
Recall 14V176 covers 156,137 2010-2012 BMW vehicles with VANOS housing bolts that can loosen or break. If those bolts fail, the engine can lose power or stall, increasing crash risk. BMW dealers replace the VANOS housing bolts for free.
What should I do if my 2010-2012 BMW 128I, 135I, 328I, 535I, X3 Sav, 640I, 528I, X5 Sav, X6 Sav, 335I, 535I Gran Turismo, or Z4 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 14V176. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the VANOS housing bolt replacement. Reference recall number 14V176 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the VANOS housing bolts for both VANOS units free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced engine power or an engine stall if the VANOS housing bolts loosen or break. An engine stall increases crash risk. Confirm whether your VIN is included, then schedule the free BMW dealer repair if the recall applies.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 14V176.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V176000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V176 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V176000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
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 →