Recall 03V-421: 2001 BMW 525i, 2001 BMW 525IA and 8 more

BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on Oct 24, 2003, covering about 23,000 vehicles.

NHTSA number
03V-421
Report date
Oct 24, 2003
Vehicles affected
23,000
Owners notified
Nov 10, 2003

The problem

On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.

The risk

Unexpected deployment of the air bag(S) could cause serious injury if an occupant is too close to the deploying air bag(S). In addition, the battery safety terminal may also be activated. If that happens, the starter cable would become disconnected from the battery, and the engine could not be restarted.

The fix

Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Notes

Customers can also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's auto safety hotline at 1-888-dash-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Recall details

ManufacturerBAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE
ComponentAir Bags › Frontal › Sensor/Control Module-Inactive
Recall started bythe manufacturer
NHTSA campaign number03V421000

Vehicles in this recall

VehicleModel years
BMW 525i2001All years
BMW 525IA2001All years
BMW 525IT2001All years
BMW 525ITA2001All years
BMW 530i2001All years
BMW 530IA2001All years
BMW 540i2001All years
BMW 540IA2001All years
BMW 540IAT2001All years
BMW M52001All years

Not every vehicle of these model years is included. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗ or ask a dealer.

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 03V-421?

On certain passenger vehicles, a microprocessor in the air bag control module, which activates the front air bags, the side air bags, the front seat safety belt pretensioners, and the battery safety terminal, may have a malfunction that could lead to an unintended activation of one or more of these components.

How is recall 03V-421 fixed?

Dealers will replace the air bag control module. Owner notification began november10, 2003. Owners should contact bmw at 1-800-831-1117.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check whether your vehicle is included with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.