Driver side: inflator moduleRecall 19V-698 · BMW vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC recall 19V-698 covers 3,924 BMW vehicles for a driver side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on October 2, 2019. The manufacturer's latest report (2021 Q1) shows 37% of affected vehicles repaired.

Do not drive these vehicles until repaired

37%
Vehicles repaired1,464 of 3,924 · 2021 Q1
Vehicles affected3,9243 models
ReportedOct 2, 2019Owners notified Nov 7, 2019
Complaints since1Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 19V698000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2002 325i and 325xi Sedan, and 323Ci, 325Ci, and 330Ci Convertible vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles that may have had a driver-side air bag module installed as replacement equipment such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bag, or as a remedy part for a prior recall. The frontal air bag inflator 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.

What to do

The fix

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the driver's air bag module, free of charge. The recall began November 7, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion of previous recalls, numbers 17V-047 and 19V-015.

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.

Repair progress

How fast cars are being fixed

37%repaired

Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA.

0%50%100%2019 Q42021 Q1
3 models

Vehicles in this recall

Built from January 12, 2000 to April 26, 2002. Not every vehicle in these model years is included; check by VIN.

Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA15001 · open
    NHTSA