NHTSA Recall 13V172000: Air bags
Do not drive BMW of North America, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 43,204 vehicles. It affects 9 models including the BMW 325CI.
| NHTSA campaign | 13V172000 |
|---|---|
| Component | AIR BAGS |
| Report received | May 2, 2013 |
| Owner notification | August 9, 2013 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Safety risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 13V172000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 325CI | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 325I | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 325IT | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 325XI | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 325XIT | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 330CI | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 330I | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 330XI | 2002, 2003 |
| BMW M3 | 2002, 2003 |
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.