Driver side: inflator moduleRecall 19V-015 · BMW vehicles
BMW of North America, LLC recall 19V-015 covers 157,549 BMW vehicles for a driver side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on January 14, 2019. The manufacturer's latest report (2020 Q2) shows 23% of affected vehicles repaired.
Do not drive these vehicles until repaired
Source: NHTSA recall 19V015000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.
The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Recall repairs are free. Confirm whether this recall is open on your vehicle by entering its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How fast cars are being fixed
23%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA.
The investigation behind this recall
- Air Bag Inflator RuptureNHTSA