NHTSA Recall 21V401000: Inflator module (air bags)
BMW of North America, LLC reported this safety recall to NHTSA on , covering an estimated 4,511 vehicles. It affects 9 models including the BMW 3 Series.
| NHTSA campaign | 21V401000 |
|---|---|
| Component | AIR BAGS › FRONTAL › DRIVER SIDE › INFLATOR MODULE |
| Report received | May 27, 2021 |
| Owner notification | July 12, 2021 |
| Initiated by | Manufacturer |
Defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Safety risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Vehicles covered by recall 21V401000
| Make and model | Model years |
|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | 1999, 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 323CI | 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 323I | 1999, 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 325CI | 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 328CI | 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 328I | 1999, 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 330CI | 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 330I | 1999, 2000, 2001 |
| BMW 330XI | 1999, 2000, 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.