Airbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles

re: NHTSA Campaign 20V018000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 23, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 292,948 vehicles equipped with faulty front passenger airbag inflators that could explode when placed under extreme or long-term weather conditions. The recall includes the following models:

  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 323iT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325iT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325xiT
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 320i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 323i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 325xi
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 328i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW 330i
  • 2000 – 2005 BMW330xi
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 323Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 325Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 328Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 330Ci
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW M3 Coupe
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 323Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 325Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMW 330Cic
  • 2000 – 2006 BMWM3 Convertible

The defect

Previous replacement parts, used to satisfy Takata airbag inflator recalls, contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN and PSPI), which will explode once subjected to high temperatures and long term humidity exposure.

The front passenger airbag in affected vehicles could explode and send metal objects toward the car’s occupants.

The solution

Affected vehicle owners will be notified on the official recall date – March, 6, 2020. Official licensed BMW dealerships will perform the proper repairs in accordance with the recalled parts.

This will be free of charge. The appropriate solution is to replace the faulty frontal airbag (passenger side) with another inflator that does not contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN). After the proper repair, inflators should not explode even under long-term exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 292,000 vehicles were originally part of this BMW recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 100,844 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.


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Marshall EarleyAirbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles

BMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags

Laguna Hills, CA – January 23, 2020 – BMW of North America, LLC is recalling 4,007 vehicles equipped with faulty airbag inflators that could possibly explode when placed under high humidity and heat.

The recall includes:

  • 2009 – 2012 X5 xDrive35d
  • 2008 – 2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M
  • 2007 – 2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M
  • 2010 – 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid

The defect

BMW is recalling over 4,000 vehicles due to risk of unintended airbag deployment. Affected vehicles are equipped with a non-desiccated, front airbag that contains ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2); a propellant used to satisfy previous Takata inflator recalls.

Under long-term high temperatures and humidity the ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2) will explode, sending large metal fragments and shards towards the driver and other vehicle passengers, resulting in serious injuries and possible death.

BMW will notify affected vehicle owners when the official recall begins, which is March 6, 2020. Any officially licensed BMW dealership will perform the proper inflator repairs, free of charge.

The solution

The repair will include a replacement front airbag inflator that does not include ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2). This repair will allow airbag inflators to remain intact under long-term high humidity and temperatures.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles were originally included in this recall. As of April 30, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – 2,454 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we added the last section and included completion rates. The article has also been edited to reflect the latest editorial standards.

Marshall EarleyBMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags