Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
What Happened
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 soon as possible and don't drive your vehicle until it's been fixed.
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.
View full recall details →
Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →