Recall 15V189 affects 18,054 2014-2015 BMW vehicles for fuel pump failure that can stall the engine. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 18,054 2014-2015 vehicles, including 428I, 435I, and M235I models, because improper nickel plating inside the fuel pump can make the pump fail. If the pump fails, the vehicle can stall without warning and increase crash risk; BMW dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The fuel pump in these 2014-2015 BMW vehicles moves gasoline from the tank to the engine at the pressure the engine needs. When it works correctly, the pump keeps fuel flowing steadily so the engine starts, idles, and responds when you accelerate.
In recall 15V189, 952 vehicles can have a fuel pump with improperly nickel-plated internal parts. Nickel plating is a thin metal coating used on small parts inside the pump. If that plating was applied incorrectly, the affected parts can interfere with pump operation until the pump becomes inoperative. Once the pump stops working, the engine loses its fuel supply and can stall or fail to start.
There is no warning sign before failure. A vehicle that seemed normal on the last trip can have a fuel pump that stops working the next time it is driven or started.
Who's affected?
The scope covers multiple BMW 2, 3, and 4 family variants from the 2014-2015 model years, all tied to the same fuel system component.
| 2014 BMW 428I | fuel system |
|---|---|
| 2014 BMW 435I | fuel system |
| 2015 BMW 428I | fuel system |
| 2015 BMW 435I | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 328XI | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 328I | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 320XI | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 335I | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 435XI | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 228I | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 320I | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 335XI | fuel system |
| 2015 BMW 428XI | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW 428XI | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW Activehybrid 3 | fuel system |
| 2014 BMW M235I | fuel system |
| Units affected | 18,054 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
Fuel pump failure can stall the vehicle without warning and increase the risk of a crash. If the engine loses power, steer out of traffic if you can, stop in a safe place, and call the dealer for repair guidance. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 BMW 428I, 435I, 328XI, 328I, 320XI, 335I, 435XI, 228I, 320I, 335XI, 428XI, Activehybrid 3, or M235I is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free fuel-pump replacement that addresses fuel-pump failure and the stall-without-warning concern.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 15V189 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions before your appointment.
- Avoid unnecessary driving until the repair is complete, and pull over safely if the engine stalls or loses power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the fuel pump covered by recall 15V189. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. This repair addresses the fuel pump components affected by improper nickel plating, which can lead to pump failure. If you already paid for a related fuel pump repair before the recall notice, ask BMW customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit receipts and repair documentation under BMW's reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 26, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 31, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| April 30, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 30, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V189?
Recall 15V189 covers 18,054 2014-2015 BMW vehicles with fuel pump components that received improper nickel plating. The fuel pump can fail, which can stall the vehicle without warning and increase crash risk. BMW dealers replace the fuel pump for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 BMW 428I, 435I, 328XI, 328I, 320XI, 335I, 435XI, 228I, 320I, 335XI, 428XI, Activehybrid 3, or M235I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 15V189. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the fuel pump replacement. Reference recall number 15V189 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the fuel pump free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is a stall without warning. If the fuel pump fails, the engine can lose fuel delivery while the vehicle is being driven, increasing crash risk. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free fuel pump replacement with a BMW dealer.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 15V189 to schedule the fuel pump replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V189000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V189 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V189000 |
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 Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →