All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.
Recall & Buyer Checklist
2000 BMW 5 Series · 2 recorded campaigns · Prepared 2026-11-08
Model-year records do not confirm VIN eligibility or completed repairs. Ask your dealer to check your VIN and the original filing's safety instructions.
Done
NHTSA Campaign
OEM Recall
Component
☐
00V048000
Ask dealer
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
☐
19V015000
Ask dealer
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
☐ Confirm open recalls by VIN ☐ Schedule free repairs ☐ Keep completed repair orders
Buying used? ☐ Check title / accident / odometer history ☐ Arrange an independent inspection
The brake light switch in your vehicle controls your brake lights when you press the brake pedal. It's like a tiny electrical button that connects to your brake lights.
Risk if Unfixed
If this switch fails, your brake lights might not turn on when you press the brake pedal, or they could stay on all the time, which could confuse other drivers and increase your risk of being involved in a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealership will inspect and replace the brake light switch with a new one that's designed to work better, and this repair is free.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.
The airbag in your vehicle is a crucial safety system that deploys to protect you in a crash. But in certain 2000-2004 BMW models with a specific sports steering wheel, the airbag inflator could fail and explode, causing sharp metal to hit you or others inside the vehicle.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, you could be seriously hurt or even killed by the sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening situation, and you should not drive your vehicle until it's been fixed.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect your vehicle and replace the airbag module if necessary, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible and don't drive your vehicle until it's been fixed. This timing describes the original 2019 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 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.
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
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.
What is the overall risk grade for the 2000 BMW 5 Series?
The 2000 BMW 5 Series has a risk grade of D. This grade is calculated from 2 NHTSA safety recalls, weighted by severity, recency, and temporal decay. Grades range from A+ (excellent) to F (avoid).
How many safety recalls does the 2000 BMW 5 Series have?
The 2000 BMW 5 Series has 2 known safety recalls on record. All recalls are repaired free of charge at authorized dealerships.
What is the most severe recall for the 2000 BMW 5 Series?
The most severe recall for the 2000 BMW 5 Series is classified as critical. This indicates a life-threatening safety issue that should be addressed promptly.
Is the 2000 BMW 5 Series safe to drive?
This model year has 2 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 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH recall for the 2000 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #00V048000)
The brake light switch in your vehicle controls your brake lights when you press the brake pedal. It's like a tiny electrical button that connects to your brake lights. If this switch fails, your brake lights might not turn on when you press the brake pedal, or they could stay on all the time, which could confuse other drivers and increase your risk of being involved in a crash. Your dealership will inspect and replace the brake light switch with a new one that's designed to work better, and this repair is free.
What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2000 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #19V015000)
The airbag in your vehicle is a crucial safety system that deploys to protect you in a crash. But in certain 2000-2004 BMW models with a specific sports steering wheel, the airbag inflator could fail and explode, causing sharp metal to hit you or others inside the vehicle. If the inflator explodes, you could be seriously hurt or even killed by the sharp metal fragments. This is a life-threatening situation, and you should not drive your vehicle until it's been fixed. Your BMW dealer will inspect your vehicle and replace the airbag module if necessary, completely free of charge. You should schedule the repair as after confirming availability with your dealer as possible and don't drive your vehicle until it's been fixed. This timing describes the original 2019 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
