BMW Recalls 2011 5-Series Vehicles for Air Bag Sensor Defect
BMW is recalling 2011 528i, 535i, and 550i models because a replacement sensor unit may be incorrectly programmed, potentially preventing air bags and safety features from deploying in a crash.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).
The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect where safety restraint systems (air bags, pre-tensioners) may fail to deploy, which aligns with the rubric criterion for 'structural vehicle defect' or 'significant injury' risk.
Plain-English summary
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i, and 550xi vehicles manufactured between March 1, 2010, and August 31, 2011. The recall affects 91 vehicles that may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a previous service visit.
The defect involves an acceleration sensor within the SCU that may have been incorrectly programmed. As a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners, and active head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash. Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of these safety features may increase the risk of injury.
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.
The recalled product
- Product
- BMW 535I, 550I, 528I
- Brand
- BMW
- Manufacturer
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Affected units
- 91
Is your product affected?
Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.
Model numbers (3)
- 535I
- 550I
- 528I
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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