NHTSA recall 03V-421 (03V421000)
air bags recall reported October 24, 2003 - about 23,000 vehicles affected.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 03V421000
- Also written as
- 03V-421
- Reported
- October 24, 2003
- Vehicles affected
- ~23,000
- Component
- air bags
What is being recalled
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, A MICROPROCESSOR IN THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE, WHICH ACTIVATES THE FRONT AIR BAGS, THE SIDE AIR BAGS, THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT PRETENSIONERS, AND THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL, MAY HAVE A MALFUNCTION THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UNINTENDED ACTIVATION OF ONE OR MORE OF THESE COMPONENTS.
Why it is dangerous
UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIR BAG(S) COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF AN OCCUPANT IS TOO CLOSE TO THE DEPLOYING AIR BAG(S). IN ADDITION, THE BATTERY SAFETY TERMINAL MAY ALSO BE ACTIVATED. IF THAT HAPPENS, THE STARTER CABLE WOULD BECOME DISCONNECTED FROM THE BATTERY, AND THE ENGINE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN NOVEMBER10, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 03V-421 when calling a dealer.
Affected 8 models
Each year links to that car's full history: every recall, owner complaints and common problems.
Source: NHTSA recall campaign data (public domain), refreshed weekly. See also the latest recall campaigns.