Recall 15V147 covers 46 2014-2015 BMW X5 vehicles with an insecure HPS air bag inflator connection. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 46 2014-2015 X5 Sports Activity Vehicles because the Head Protection System air bag connection to the inflator gas generator is not secure in the affected vehicles. In a crash, an unsecured connection can leave the air bag with insufficient inflation and increase injury risk; the BMW dealer repair will be free once BMW makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The Head Protection System air bag in a 2014-2015 BMW X5 is the curtain air bag that helps protect occupants' heads in a side impact or rollover. It sits along the roof rail and works with a gas generator, also called an inflator, which fills the air bag when the system commands deployment.
On the recalled X5 vehicles, the clamp connection between the air bag and the gas generator was built out of specification by the supplier. That loose or improper connection means the gas generator is not secured to the air bag the way BMW designed it. During deployment, the connection can limit how the head protection air bag inflates.
The issue is mechanical, not something the driver can feel during normal use. There is no warning sign before failure. You would not hear a noise, feel a change in steering or braking, or see a dashboard symptom that proves this clamp connection is wrong before the air bag is needed.
Who's affected?
| 2015 BMW X5 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2014 BMW X5 | air bag system |
| Units affected | 46 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the head protection air bags lose a secure inflator connection, they can inflate too little in a crash and increase injury risk. Schedule the recall repair promptly if your VIN is included. Repair will be free at any franchised BMW dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Wait for BMW repair instructions before scheduling service if your VIN is included.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to ask whether the free Head Protection System replacement is open for your VIN.
- Reference recall number 15V147 when you call, and explain that the air bag head protection system needs a secure inflator connection.
- Bring the owner letter if BMW sent one, and keep it with your service paperwork.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the Head Protection System connected to the air bag inflator gas generator. BMW has not marked the final dealer repair as available for this campaign, so scheduling depends on the remedy opening for this VIN. Once available, the replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Ask the BMW service desk to confirm the remedy status before arranging the visit.
Timeline
| March 12, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 31, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 1, 2015 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 24, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V147?
Recall 15V147 covers 46 2014-2015 BMW X5 vehicles with a Head Protection System air bag connection problem. Without a secure connection to the inflator gas generator, the air bag can underinflate during a crash, increasing injury risk. BMW dealers replace the Head Protection System for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 15V147. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 15V147. BMW began the recall on June 24, 2015, and the dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. BMW's filed remedy says dealers will replace the Head Protection System free of charge at a franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is reduced head protection during a crash. If the Head Protection System air bag is not securely connected to the inflator gas generator, it can inflate with too little force, increasing the risk of injury.
What if I bought my BMW X5 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X5 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 15V147.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V147000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V147 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V147000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →