The frontal air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. But in certain 2000-2004 models with a specific type of steering wheel, the air bag's inflator can fail, causing it to explode.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect the steering wheel to see if it's one of the affected ones. If it is, they'll replace the air bag module for free, so schedule an appointment after checking repair availability with your dealer. 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.
The air bag system in your vehicle is controlled by a computer that ensures your front and side air bags deploy correctly in case of a crash. However, there's a chance this computer could malfunction and accidentally deploy the air bags while driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the air bags could deploy unexpectedly and cause serious injury to anyone in the vehicle. Additionally, the battery safety terminal could be activated, causing the starter cable to disconnect and making it impossible to restart the engine.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag control module at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer, and you can contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 to start the process. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG(S). IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL MAY ALSO BE ACTIVATED. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE STARTER CABLE WOULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY, AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.
Original — Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
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 AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE recall for the 2001 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #19V015000)
The frontal air bag in your vehicle is a safety device that deploys in a crash to protect you. But in certain 2000-2004 models with a specific type of steering wheel, the air bag's inflator can fail, causing it to explode. If the inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments could fly towards you or your passengers, causing serious injury or even death. Your BMW dealer will inspect the steering wheel to see if it's one of the affected ones. If it is, they'll replace the air bag module for free, so schedule an appointment after checking repair availability with your dealer. This timing describes the original 2019 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.
What is the AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE recall for the 2001 BMW 5 Series? (Campaign #03V421000)
The air bag system in your vehicle is controlled by a computer that ensures your front and side air bags deploy correctly in case of a crash. However, there's a chance this computer could malfunction and accidentally deploy the air bags while driving. If this happens, the air bags could deploy unexpectedly and cause serious injury to anyone in the vehicle. Additionally, the battery safety terminal could be activated, causing the starter cable to disconnect and making it impossible to restart the engine. Your BMW dealer will replace the faulty air bag control module at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair after checking repair availability with your dealer, and you can contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117 to start the process. This timing describes the original 2003 filing; contact your dealer now to confirm the free repair is available.