NHTSA Recall 03V421000: Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive
BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 23,000 vehicles. It affects 10 models including the BMW 525I.
| NHTSA campaign | 03V421000 |
|---|---|
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE |
| Report received | October 24, 2003 |
| Owner notification | November 10, 2003 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
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.
Safety risk
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.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact BMW at 1-800-831-1117.
Notes
Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
Vehicles covered by recall 03V421000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 525I | 2001 |
| BMW 525IA | 2001 |
| BMW 525IT | 2001 |
| BMW 525ITA | 2001 |
| BMW 530I | 2001 |
| BMW 530IA | 2001 |
| BMW 540I | 2001 |
| BMW 540IA | 2001 |
| BMW 540IAT | 2001 |
| BMW M5 | 2001 |
Being listed here means the campaign covers the model year, not that every car was built with the defect or is still unrepaired. Enter your VIN above to check your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are free at authorised dealers. Source: NHTSA, October 2026.