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NHTSA Recall 16V832000: Air bags: sensor/control module-inactive

BMW of North America, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 91 vehicles. It affects 3 models including the BMW 528I.

91
vehicles potentially affected
3
models affected
2016
owners notified (December 16)
NHTSA campaign16V832000
ComponentAIR BAGS › FRONTAL › SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
Report receivedNovember 17, 2016
Owner notificationDecember 16, 2016
Initiated byManufacturer

Defect

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.

Safety risk

Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

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 16V832000

Make and modelModel years
BMW 528I2011
BMW 535I2011
BMW 550I2011

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.