Passenger side: inflator moduleRecall 20V-016 · BMW vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC recall 20V-016 covers 4,007 BMW vehicles for a passenger side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on January 15, 2020. The manufacturer's latest report (2021 Q2) shows 65% of affected vehicles repaired.

Do not drive these vehicles until repaired

65%
Vehicles repaired2,606 of 4,007 · 2021 Q2
Vehicles affected4,0073 models
ReportedJan 15, 2020Owners notified Mar 11, 2020
Complaints since27Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 20V016000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high 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 this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. 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.

Repair progress

How fast cars are being fixed

65%repaired

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

0%50%100%2020 Q12021 Q2
Background

The investigation behind this recall

  1. Air Bag Inflator RuptureEA15001 · open
    NHTSA