Bmw recall: Air bags
Do not drive. NHTSA and the maker advise owners not to drive these vehicles until they are repaired.
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
What could happen
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Vehicles covered
- Bmw 525I 2000–2003
- Bmw 530I 2000–2003
- Bmw 540I 2000–2003
- Bmw X5 Sav 2000–2004
Facts
- NHTSA recall number
- 19V015000
- Type
- Vehicle
- Filed by
- BMW Of North America, LLC
- Reported to NHTSA
- Jan 14, 2019
- Owners notified
- Mar 14, 2019
- Vehicles or items affected
- 157,549
- Started by
- NHTSA investigation
- Built
- Sep 1, 2000 to Jul 4, 2003
- Part
- Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Other recalls for the same vehicles
- Bmw recall: Power train Aug 12, 2026
- Bmw / Mini / Rolls-Royce recall: Electronic stability control (esc) Sep 18, 2024
- Bmw / Toyota recall: Engine Aug 2, 2021
- Bmw / Mini / Rolls-Royce and more recall: Seat belts Jul 21, 2021
- Bmw recall: Back over prevention Feb 19, 2021
- Bmw recall: Power train Feb 3, 2021
To check one car, enter its 17-character VIN on the official NHTSA page: a recall may cover only some vehicles of a model year.
Recall data: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Nebula is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.