The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·20V017000·Announced 2020-01-15

BMW Recalls Vehicles for Driver Air Bag Inflator Explosion Risk

BMW is recalling specific 2006-2015 models because driver air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation, posing a risk of serious injury or death.

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 an inflator explosion may result in 'serious injury or death,' which aligns with the rubric criteria for a Severe (4) rating involving significant injury or death reports/risks.

Plain-English summary

BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2006-2015 BMW vehicles, including 1 Series, 3 Series, X1, X3, X5, and X6 models. The recall involves vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN). These specific inflators were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls.

The defect is that these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. 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 330I, 330XI, 128I, 1 SERIES M
Brand
BMW
Manufacturer
BMW of North America, LLC
Category
Vehicle — Air Bag
Hazard
Affected units
59,965

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 (19)

  • 330I
  • 330XI
  • 128I
  • 1 SERIES M
  • X3
  • 135I
  • X1
  • 328I
  • M3
  • 335I
  • 328XI
  • 335XI
  • X6 ACTIVEHYBRID SAC
  • 325XI
  • 335IS
  • X5
  • X6
  • 325I
  • 335D

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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