Driver side: inflator moduleRecall 21V-401 · BMW vehicles
BMW of North America, LLC recall 21V-401 covers 4,511 BMW vehicles for a driver side: inflator module problem, reported to NHTSA on May 27, 2021. The manufacturer's latest report (2023 Q2) shows 42% of affected vehicles repaired.
Source: NHTSA recall 21V401000 and manufacturer quarterly reports. Started by the manufacturer.
The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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
42%repaired
Share of affected vehicles repaired in each quarterly report the manufacturer filed with NHTSA.