Recall 21V-401: 1999–2001 BMW 3 Series, 2000–2001 BMW 323ci and 7 more
BMW of North America, LLC recall for air bags, reported to NHTSA on May 27, 2021, covering about 4,511 vehicles.
The problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
The risk
The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
The fix
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. 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.nhtsa.gov.
Recall details
| Manufacturer | BMW of North America, LLC |
|---|---|
| Component | Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module |
| Recall started by | the manufacturer |
| NHTSA campaign number | 21V401000 |
Vehicles in this recall
| Vehicle | Model years | |
|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 Series | 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 323ci | 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 323i | 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 325ci | 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 328ci | 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 328i | 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 330ci | 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 330i | 1999, 2000, 2001 | All years |
| BMW 330xi | 1999, 2000, 2001 | All 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 21V-401?
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
How is recall 21V-401 fixed?
Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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.