Recall 17V189 affects 36 2017 BMW X5 vehicles for a passenger air bag inflator venting defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 36 2017 X5 SUVs because the passenger frontal air bag inflator can fail to vent properly during a crash deployment. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death; BMW dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module free of charge.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag module in the 2017 BMW X5 sits in the dashboard in front of the passenger seat. The module contains an inflator, which creates gas during a crash so the air bag cushion can fill quickly and help protect the passenger. The inflator also has to vent correctly so pressure inside the module stays controlled during deployment.
In affected X5 vehicles, the passenger air bag module was built with an ARC DPH-7 inflator from a production lot BMW identified through supplier and vehicle records. That inflator can fail to vent properly during a crash that requires passenger air bag deployment. BMW has not identified the root cause, so the fix is to replace the passenger front air bag module with one built outside the affected production range.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the passenger air bag inflator, so it is not something a driver can hear, feel, or see during normal driving before a crash deployment.
Who's affected?
| 2017 BMW X5 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 36 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2017 BMW X5 is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the air bag inflator cannot vent properly, it can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants and causing serious injury or death. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017 BMW X5 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag module replacement that addresses the inflator venting defect.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V189 when you call.
- Ask the BMW dealer whether to keep the front passenger seat empty until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag modules covered by recall 17V189. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. BMW has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who already paid for a related air bag module repair before the recall notice. Bring receipts or repair documentation to the BMW service desk and ask how to submit the claim under BMW's standard reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| March 17, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 17, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| March 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| May 8, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V189?
Recall 17V189 covers 36 2017 BMW X5 vehicles with passenger frontal air bag inflators that do not vent properly during deployment. If the inflator ruptures, metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. BMW dealers replace the air bag module for free.
What should I do if my 2017 BMW X5 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X5 is included in recall 17V189. If it is included, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the passenger air bag module replacement. Reference recall number 17V189 when you call. BMW customer service is 1-800-525-7417.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the defect to be repaired at no cost, and BMW dealers replace the affected passenger air bag module free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is inflator rupture during passenger frontal air bag deployment. If the inflator cannot vent properly, metal fragments can strike people inside the vehicle and cause serious injury or death. The repair path is to replace the affected air bag module for free.
When did BMW notify owners about this recall?
BMW began the recall on March 20, 2017, and notified owners about the repair. If you bought the X5 used or never received a letter, the VIN still decides whether your vehicle is included. Check your VIN, then call a BMW dealer if the recall is open.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V189000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V189 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V189000 |
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 May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →