The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
The risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
The fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 14V-428 (14V428000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Air bags |
| Report date | June 11, 2018 |
| Owners notified | December 1, 2014 |
| Vehicles affected | 574,007 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2000 BMW 323i
- 2001 BMW 325i
- 2002 BMW 325i
- 2003 BMW 325i
- 2004 BMW 325i
- 2005 BMW 325i
- 2006 BMW 325i
- 2001 BMW 325xi
- 2002 BMW 325xi
- 2003 BMW 325xi
- 2004 BMW 325xi
- 2005 BMW 325xi
- 2000 BMW 328i
- 2001 BMW 330i
- 2002 BMW 330i
- 2003 BMW 330i
- 2004 BMW 330i
- 2005 BMW 330i
- 2006 BMW 330i
- 2001 BMW 330xi
- 2002 BMW 330xi
- 2003 BMW 330xi
- 2004 BMW 330xi
- 2005 BMW 330xi
- 2001 BMW M3
- 2002 BMW M3
- 2003 BMW M3
- 2004 BMW M3
- 2005 BMW M3
- 2006 BMW M3
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2000 BMW 323i airbag problems 70
- 2001 BMW 325i airbag problems 46
- 2002 BMW 325i airbag problems 52
- 2003 BMW 325i airbag problems 62
- 2004 BMW 325i airbag problems 62
- 2005 BMW 325i airbag problems 33
- 2006 BMW 325i airbag problems 241
- 2001 BMW 325xi airbag problems 2
- 2002 BMW 325xi airbag problems 13
- 2003 BMW 325xi airbag problems 14
- 2004 BMW 325xi airbag problems 30
- 2005 BMW 325xi airbag problems 18
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 14V-428 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 574,007 vehicles built in a certain window. Check your 17-character VIN with our VIN recall check or at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is it safe to drive?
No — the manufacturer says owners should not drive affected vehicles until the repair is done. Contact a dealer to arrange towing.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.