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BMW X3 SAV Recall 16V071: Driver air bag inflator may rupture in a crash

NHTSA campaign 16V071, reported February 5, 2016, 840,000 vehicles potentially affected.

What this recall means for you

BMW is recalling certain vehicles because the driver's frontal air bag inflator can rupture when the air bag deploys. Excessive internal pressure can cause the inflator to break apart.

If the driver's frontal air bag deploys in a crash, a ruptured inflator could send metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants, which could cause serious injury or death.

BMW will notify owners, and authorized dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator, depending on the model, at no cost to you. The recall began March 9, 2018. You can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417, and you should check your vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls.

Check whether this recall is open on your vehicle

The repair is normally free at an authorized dealer.

Official recall notice

Safety recall 16V071BMW of North America, LLC
Component
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive, 335is and M3 Coupes and Convertibles, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i SAVs, 2007-2010 X3 xDrive30i SAVs, 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M SAVs, 2009-2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d SAVs, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M SACs, 2010-2011 BMW X6 xDrive50i SACs and 2008-2011 M3 Sedan vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. 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.

Affected vehicles

BMW 1 Series M200820092010201120122013
BMW 128i200820092010201120122013
BMW 135i200820092010201120122013
BMW 3252006200720082009201020112012
BMW 32820062007200820092010201120122013
BMW 330200620072008200920102011
BMW 33520062007200820092010201120122013
BMW M32007200820092010201120122013
BMW X1 SAV201320142015
BMW X3 SAV2007200820092010
BMW X5 SAV2007200820092010201120122013
BMW X6 Activehybrid SAC20102011
BMW X6 SAC20082009201220132014