Recall 16V173 affects 6,110 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, and 750LI vehicles for an air bag module short. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 6,110 2016 750LXI, 740LI, and 750LI vehicles because metallic particles in the air bag control module can trigger an electrical short and reset the module. If a crash happens during that reset, the air bags can fail to deploy, increasing injury risk; BMW dealers will replace the module free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The air bag control module on 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, and 750LI vehicles is the electronic controller for the restraint system. It reads crash and vehicle signals, then directs the air bags and related safety components when deployment is needed. For that job, the module has to stay powered and active while the vehicle is moving.
In the recalled vehicles, small metallic particles left from the supplier manufacturing process can remain inside the module housing. In driving situations with heavy vibration or acceleration, a particle can break loose and touch the circuit board. That contact can create an electrical short circuit, causing the module to reset. While it resets, the air bag control module is temporarily inactive.
There is no warning sign before failure. When the reset happens, the air bag warning lamp can come on, which means the restraint system needs dealer attention.
Who's affected?
Covers the 740LI, 750LI, and 750LXI variants, all tied to the same front air bag control module.
| 2016 BMW 750LXI | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 740LI | front air bag |
| 2016 BMW 750LI | front air bag |
| Units affected | 6,110 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific sedan is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
If a crash occurs while the air bag module is resetting, the air bags are at risk of not deploying. That raises the risk of occupant injury. Schedule the air bag control module replacement soon, and ask BMW if you have concerns about driving. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, or 750LI is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free air bag control module replacement that fixes the electrical-short reset condition.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one. If not, reference recall number 16V173 when you call.
- Ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 for help if the dealer cannot find the campaign.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the air bag control module covered by recall 16V173. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall, and the repair is available now. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. If you've already paid for an air bag control module repair tied to this condition, bring the repair order and payment paperwork to the service desk so BMW can review the claim under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 24, 2016 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 25, 2016 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 16, 2016 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 8, 2016 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 16V173?
Recall 16V173 covers 6,110 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, and 750LI vehicles with an air bag control module that can reset because of an electrical short circuit. BMW dealers will replace the air bag control module for free.
What should I do if my 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, or 750LI is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 16V173. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the air bag control module replacement. The repair has been available since July 11, 2016.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the recall repair to be completed at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the air bag control module free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 16V173?
The safety risk is that the air bags can fail to deploy in a crash while the air bag control module is resetting. Recall 16V173 ties that failure to a higher risk of occupant injury, so confirm your VIN and schedule the free repair if included.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free repair still applies. Recall repairs follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2016 BMW 750LXI, 740LI, or 750LI is included, then reference recall 16V173 when you call a BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/16V173000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 16V173 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 16V173000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 31, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →