NHTSA recall 19V-015 (19V015000)
air bags recall reported January 14, 2019 - about 157,549 vehicles affected.
NHTSA marks this campaign DO NOT DRIVE.
Stop driving the vehicle until the recall repair is done. Contact your dealer immediately; the repair is free.
- NHTSA campaign number
- 19V015000
- Also written as
- 19V-015
- Reported
- January 14, 2019
- Vehicles affected
- ~157,549
- Component
- air bags
What is being recalled
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Why it is dangerous
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix (free at any franchised dealer)
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Recall repairs are always free, regardless of vehicle age or where you bought the car. Quote the campaign number 19V-015 when calling a dealer.
Affected 4 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.