The brake lamp switch in your vehicle controls the brake lights when you press the brake pedal. It's a small switch that could fail and get stuck on.
Risk if Unfixed
If this switch fails, your brake lights might not turn on when you press the brake pedal, or they might stay on all the time, which could cause other drivers to think you're braking when you're not.
Free Fix
Your dealership will inspect the switch and replace it with a new one if necessary, at no cost to you.
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 inflator in your vehicle's driver's side is the part that deploys the airbag in a crash. In certain 2000-2004 BMW models, the inflator in the optional sports steering wheel can fail due to long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying into you or other passengers, causing serious injury or even death. This is a critical safety issue that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your BMW dealer will inspect your vehicle for the affected steering wheel and replace the airbag module if necessary, at no cost to you. Please do not drive your vehicle until this repair is done, and you'll be contacted by BMW to schedule the fix.
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.
