NHTSA Recall 19V015000: Inflator module (air bags)
Do not drive BMW of North America, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 157,549 vehicles. It affects 4 models including the BMW 525I.
| NHTSA campaign | 19V015000 |
|---|---|
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › DRIVER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE |
| Report received | January 14, 2019 |
| Owner notification | March 14, 2019 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation |
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Safety risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. 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 19V015000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 525I | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 530I | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| BMW 540I | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 |
| BMW X5 Sav | 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 |
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.