The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·19V852000·Announced 2019-11-26

BMW Recalls 1999-2000 Models for Driver Air Bag Inflator Defect

BMW is recalling 1999-2000 323i, 328i, 323Ci, and 328Ci vehicles because driver air bag inflators may rupture or underinflate in a crash, increasing injury risk.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The source text explicitly states that the defect increases the risk of serious injury or death due to potential metal fragments from inflator rupture, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles. The recall involves Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.

Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture. This can cause the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result 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.

BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. 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 323I, 328I, 328CI, 323CI
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
34,396

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 (4)

  • 323I
  • 328I
  • 328CI
  • 323CI

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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