Passenger side: inflator moduleRecall 20V-018 · BMW vehicles

BMW of North America, LLC recall 20V-018 covers 292,948 BMW vehicles for a passenger side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on January 15, 2020. The manufacturer's latest report (2021 Q2) shows 42% of affected vehicles repaired.

Do not drive these vehicles until repaired

42%
Vehicles repaired123,637 of 292,948 · 2021 Q2
Vehicles affected292,94815 models
ReportedJan 15, 2020Owners notified Feb 13, 2020
Complaints since67Same system, after the recall

Source: NHTSA recall 20V018000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by an NHTSA defect investigation.

What's wrong

The problem

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) 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

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 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

42%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