BMW Initiates Recall for Potential Head Air Bag Inflator Issues in Several Models

BMW of North America, LLC has announced a voluntary safety recall affecting thousands of its 2014-2015 model year vehicles due to a potential defect in the head air bag inflator. The recall, submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), concerns specific units of the BMW 4 Series Coupe, 3 Series Sedan, and 2 Series Coupe. Owners of affected vehicles are being advised not to drive them and to park them outside until the remedy is performed.

The recall encompasses approximately 851 vehicles in total. The issue stems from the head air bag inflator, which may not have been manufactured according to specifications. Over time, contamination within the inflator can lead to corrosion and potential separation of the inflator’s halves, even without an airbag deployment event. Such separation could cause injury or fatality to occupants or bystanders. Additionally, irregularities in the weld joint could lead to a slow leak of gas, potentially resulting in the head air bag partially inflating during a crash, thereby compromising occupant restraint and increasing the risk of injury.

The specific models and production dates involved are as follows: * Approximately 136 units of the 2014 BMW 4 Series Coupe (including 428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, and 435i xDrive models) produced between February 12, 2014, and February 17, 2014. * Approximately 529 units of the 2014 BMW 3 Series Sedan (including 320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, and 335i xDrive models) produced between February 20, 2014, and April 23, 2014. * Approximately 186 units of the 2014-2015 BMW 2 Series Coupe (including 228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, and M235i xDrive models) produced between February 17, 2014, and February 24, 2014.

BMW has stated that it is not aware of any incidents, accidents, or injuries related to this specific defect. The company became aware of the potential issue when another vehicle manufacturer decided to supplement their 2023 safety recall involving head air bags. Following this, BMW contacted the head air bag supplier, Autoliv Steering Wheels Mexico S. de R.L., and initiated an engineering investigation. The supplier confirmed that parts for BMW were produced within the same production lot as those for the other manufacturer. While BMW’s internal analysis of field return parts from the suspect lot did not reveal any irregularities, the company decided to conduct this voluntary recall out of an abundance of caution.

The remedy for affected vehicles will be the replacement of the head air bag(s) at no cost to the owner. BMW will notify owners by first-class mail, advising them to schedule an appointment with an authorized BMW dealer. Owners who have already paid for this repair prior to the recall notification may be eligible for reimbursement according to BMW Group’s plan. While BMW estimates the percentage of vehicles containing the defect to be 0%, the NHTSA Recall Portal requires a minimum entry of 0.1%.

Dealer notification regarding the recall is scheduled to begin and end on December 17, 2025. Owner notification is expected to commence on February 6, 2026, with a phased recall approach. The VIN lookup tool on NHTSA’s website will become available on a date yet to be determined. BMW advises owners of the affected vehicles not to drive them and to park them outside due to the potential safety risks associated with the defective head air bag inflator.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from BMW of North America, LLC.

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