Recall 20V185 affects 8,536 2013-2016 BMW 328D vehicles for constant-velocity joint damage. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 8,536 2013-2016 328D vehicles because the constant-velocity joint between the transfer case and rear driveshaft can become damaged and cut power to the rear wheels. Loss of rear-wheel power can affect vehicle control or allow rollaway if the parking brake is not set, and BMW dealers will replace the joint free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The transfer case on the 2013-2016 BMW 328D is part of the driveline that sends engine power toward the wheels. At the rear of that case, a constant-velocity joint disc connects the output shaft to the rear drive shaft. That joint is meant to keep power moving smoothly even as the driveline angle changes.
On affected 328D vehicles, engine vibration can create micro-friction corrosion on the output shaft. That corrosion wears the shaft splines, the ridged teeth that lock the shaft to the rear drive shaft connection. As the splines wear, the joint loses its grip and the rear wheels lose drive power.
BMW did not identify a dependable warning sign for owners before the connection fails. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Spans 4 model years of the 328D, all tied to the transfer case driveline component.
| 2013 BMW 328D | driveline |
|---|---|
| 2014 BMW 328D | driveline |
| 2016 BMW 328D | driveline |
| 2015 BMW 328D | driveline |
| Units affected | 8,536 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control and increase the risk of a crash. After that failure, a parked vehicle can roll away if the parking brake is not engaged, creating crash or injury risk. Drive cautiously, use the parking brake every time you park, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2013-2016 BMW 328D is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free constant-velocity-joint replacement and transfer-case inspection that addresses loss of power to the rear wheels.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions, and reference recall number 20V185 when you call.
- Use the parking brake every time you park until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the constant-velocity joint that transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft. The technician also inspects the transfer case and replaces it if inspection shows it is needed. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you paid out of pocket for this remedy before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Contact BMW customer service with your repair documentation to start the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 25, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 25, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 26, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 18, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 22, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V185?
Recall 20V185 covers 8,536 2013-2016 BMW 328D vehicles with a constant-velocity joint that can become damaged and cause loss of power to the rear wheels. BMW dealers will replace the joint, inspect the transfer case, and replace the transfer case if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2013-2016 BMW 328D is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V185. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the constant-velocity joint replacement and transfer case inspection. Reference recall number 20V185 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 constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case free of charge. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you need help scheduling.
What is the safety risk for this BMW 328D recall?
The safety risk is loss of power to the rear wheels, which can affect vehicle control and increase crash risk. The filing also warns that a parked vehicle can roll away after power loss if the parking brake is not engaged. The dealer repair is free.
When did BMW start this recall repair?
BMW began the recall repair on May 22, 2020. If your VIN is included, a BMW dealer can replace the constant-velocity joint, inspect the transfer case, and replace the transfer case if needed at no cost.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V185000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V185 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V185000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →