Skip to main content

2003 BMW 3 Series AIR BAGS Recalls

4 recalls Highest severity: High Priority

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service for AIR BAGS issues.

← View all 2003 BMW 3 Series recalls

AIR BAGS Safety Recalls

High Priority #20V018000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to help protect you. Some models have a specific type of airbag that might not be fully reliable, which could put you at risk.
Risk if Unfixed
If this airbag fails, it could explode and send sharp metal fragments flying into the passenger area, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a new, reliable one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to keep you safe on the road. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #14V428000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The passenger side air bag in your vehicle is a safety feature that inflates in a crash to protect you. But in some 2000-2006 BMW models, this air bag could rupture and cause metal shards to fly out and hurt you or your passengers.
Risk if Unfixed
If the air bag ruptures, sharp metal fragments could fly out and seriously injure you or your passengers in the event of a crash. This is a serious safety risk that could cause severe injuries.
Free Fix
Don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag with a new one, free of charge. You'll receive a notice with instructions on how to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #15V318000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
The driver's side air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that inflates in the event of a collision. In certain models, a faulty air bag component could let water in, causing it to rupture and potentially send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other passengers.
Risk if Unfixed
In a severe crash, the air bag could fail to deploy properly, or even rupture, sending metal shards into you or your passengers. This could lead to serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a new one, free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired, and schedule an appointment after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2015 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V172000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS

Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's passenger side airbag is designed to protect you in case of a front-end collision. But in some 2002-2003 BMW models, the airbag's inflator might burst and send sharp metal shards flying, putting you or other passengers at risk of serious injury.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag deploys in a crash, the inflator could burst and send sharp metal pieces into the passenger area, potentially causing serious injury to you or others in the vehicle.
Free Fix
Don't drive your vehicle until it's fixed. BMW will contact you in June to let you know about the issue, and once the replacement parts are available in July, they'll send you a second notice to schedule a free repair at your local BMW dealership.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Original — Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Other BMW 3 Series 2003 Recalls

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 recall
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 recall
VISIBILITY
1 recall
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 recall

Other BMW 3 Series Years

2025
1 recall
2024
3 recalls
2023
4 recalls
2022
3 recalls
2021
10 recalls
2020
15 recalls
2019
9 recalls
2018
6 recalls
2017
3 recalls
2016
5 recalls
2015
8 recalls
2014
12 recalls
2013
9 recalls
2012
8 recalls
2011
11 recalls
2010
9 recalls
2009
7 recalls
2008
6 recalls
2007
7 recalls
2006
11 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
5 recalls
2002
8 recalls
2001
8 recalls
2000
7 recalls

Similar AIR BAGS Recalls in Other Vehicles

2010 HONDA CR-V
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2011 HONDA CR-V
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 HONDA Odyssey
96 AIR BAGS recalls
2004 HONDA Accord
88 AIR BAGS recalls
2005 HONDA Accord
88 AIR BAGS recalls
2003 ACURA MDX
80 AIR BAGS recalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2003 BMW 3 Series safe to drive?

This model year has 4 recorded safety recalls. Model-level listings do not establish VIN-specific open recalls or whether this vehicle is safe to drive. Check your VIN and contact the manufacturer for recall instructions.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2003 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #20V018000)

The passenger airbag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to help protect you. Some models have a specific type of airbag that might not be fully reliable, which could put you at risk. If this airbag fails, it could explode and send sharp metal fragments flying into the passenger area, causing serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty airbag with a new, reliable one, free of charge. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible to keep you safe on the road. This timing describes the original 2020 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the AIR BAGS recall for the 2003 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #14V428000)

The passenger side air bag in your vehicle is a safety feature that inflates in a crash to protect you. But in some 2000-2006 BMW models, this air bag could rupture and cause metal shards to fly out and hurt you or your passengers. If the air bag ruptures, sharp metal fragments could fly out and seriously injure you or your passengers in the event of a crash. This is a serious safety risk that could cause severe injuries. Don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag with a new one, free of charge. You'll receive a notice with instructions on how to schedule the repair.

What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2003 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #15V318000)

The driver's side air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that inflates in the event of a collision. In certain models, a faulty air bag component could let water in, causing it to rupture and potentially send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other passengers. In a severe crash, the air bag could fail to deploy properly, or even rupture, sending metal shards into you or your passengers. This could lead to serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag module with a new one, free of charge. Don't drive your vehicle until it's been repaired, and schedule an appointment after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2015 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.

What is the AIR BAGS recall for the 2003 BMW 3 Series? (Campaign #13V172000)

Your vehicle's passenger side airbag is designed to protect you in case of a front-end collision. But in some 2002-2003 BMW models, the airbag's inflator might burst and send sharp metal shards flying, putting you or other passengers at risk of serious injury. If the airbag deploys in a crash, the inflator could burst and send sharp metal pieces into the passenger area, potentially causing serious injury to you or others in the vehicle. Don't drive your vehicle until it's fixed. BMW will contact you in June to let you know about the issue, and once the replacement parts are available in July, they'll send you a second notice to schedule a free repair at your local BMW dealership.