Campaign 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…

View NHTSA filingAll Bayerische Motoren Werke campaigns
Defect summary

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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).

Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file, campaign 03V421000. Text as published by NHTSA.
Vehicles covered

10 product lines are covered

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA about airbags on these vehicles: 19, of which 4 involved a crash, fire, injury or death. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Vehicles covered by campaign 03V-421
MakeModelModel yearsComplaints on this component
BMW525I20014
BMW525IA20010
BMW525IT20010
BMW525ITA20010
BMW530I20014
BMW530IA20012
BMW540I20015
BMW540IA20011
BMW540IAT20010
BMWM520013
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls and complaints files. Equipment, tire and child-seat campaigns list products, not vehicles.