The problem
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.
The risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
The fix
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.
Recall details
| NHTSA campaign | 19V-015 (19V015000) |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
| Component | Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module |
| Report date | January 14, 2019 |
| Owners notified | March 14, 2019 |
| Vehicles affected | 157,549 |
| Initiated by | NHTSA investigation |
Vehicles covered
- 2001 BMW 525i
- 2002 BMW 525i
- 2003 BMW 525i
- 2001 BMW 530i
- 2002 BMW 530i
- 2003 BMW 530i
- 2000 BMW 540i
- 2001 BMW 540i
- 2002 BMW 540i
- 2003 BMW 540i
- 2000 BMW X5
- 2001 BMW X5
- 2002 BMW X5
- 2003 BMW X5
- 2004 BMW X5
Plus 2 other model/year combinations not covered on this site.
Owner complaints about the air bags
- 2001 BMW 525i airbag problems 4
- 2002 BMW 525i airbag problems 9
- 2003 BMW 525i airbag problems 10
- 2001 BMW 530i airbag problems 4
- 2002 BMW 530i airbag problems 8
- 2003 BMW 530i airbag problems 17
- 2000 BMW 540i airbag problems 8
- 2001 BMW 540i airbag problems 5
- 2002 BMW 540i airbag problems 2
- 2003 BMW 540i airbag problems 2
- 2000 BMW X5 airbag problems 1
- 2001 BMW X5 airbag problems 16
Frequently asked questions
Is the recall 19V-015 repair free?
Yes. BMW dealers will fix the problem at no cost: 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.
How do I know if my car is included?
Not every vehicle of the listed model years is affected — the recall covers 157,549 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.