Recall 19V017 covers 83,016 2007-2014 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles for passenger air bag inflator rupture. Do not drive. Free repair at franchised BMW dealers.
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or death. Do not drive this vehicle until the passenger frontal air bag module is replaced. If it must move, arrange towing instead of driving it, including short trips. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 83,016 2007-2014 X5 and X6 vehicles under recall 19V017 because passenger frontal air bag inflators can explode during deployment after long-term humidity and temperature cycling. Sharp metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. Do not drive an included vehicle until a BMW dealer completes the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The passenger frontal air bag inflator in affected 2007-2014 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles is the metal device inside the passenger air bag module that creates gas during a crash. When the crash sensors call for deployment, the inflator burns propellant and fills the air bag fast enough to cushion the front passenger.
The recalled Takata PSPI-2 inflator uses non-desiccated ammonium nitrate propellant, which is a chemical gas generator without a drying agent to control moisture. After years of exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and temperature cycling, the propellant wafers can change. During deployment, that changed propellant can burn too aggressively and rupture the inflator instead of inflating the bag normally.
There is no warning sign before failure. The issue shows up only when the passenger frontal air bag deploys in a crash, so a normal dash light or normal driving feel does not rule it out.
Who's affected?
X5 coverage runs 2007-2013, while X6 coverage runs 2008-2014; both use the same front air bag inflator module.
| 2013 BMW X5 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2009 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2008 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2009 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2014 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2013 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2007 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2008 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2010 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2010 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2011 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2011 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| 2012 BMW X5 | front air bag |
| 2012 BMW X6 | front air bag |
| Units affected | 83,016 |
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?
An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or passengers, causing serious injury or death. Do not drive this vehicle until the passenger frontal air bag module is replaced. If it must move, arrange towing instead of driving it, including short trips. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2007-2014 BMW X5 or X6 is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until the passenger frontal air bag module replacement is complete.
- Arrange a tow if the vehicle has to be moved to the dealer; do not drive it there yourself.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free passenger frontal air bag module replacement that addresses the inflator explosion risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V017 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the passenger frontal air bag module, including the inflator inside that module. The recall repair is free, with parts and labor covered by BMW. Do not drive the vehicle until that replacement is complete. Call the dealer first so the vehicle can be handled without you driving it in. If you paid for an air bag module replacement before the recall notice, contact BMW customer service and keep your repair documents for BMW's standard reimbursement plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 14, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 14, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 14, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 4, 2019 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| March 4, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 14, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V017?
Recall 19V017 covers 83,016 2007-2014 BMW X5 and X6 vehicles with passenger frontal air bag inflators that can explode during deployment. Metal fragments can strike occupants and cause serious injury or death. BMW dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module for free.
What should I do if my 2007-2014 BMW X5 or X6 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 19V017. If it is, do not drive the vehicle until the passenger frontal air bag module is replaced. Contact a franchised BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 and ask about towing.
What does do not drive mean for this BMW recall?
Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer completes the recall repair. BMW's remedy instructions say owners are advised not to drive until the passenger frontal air bag module is replaced. If the vehicle has to move, ask the BMW dealer about towing before you schedule service.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and BMW's remedy says dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module free of charge. The repair must be performed by a franchised BMW dealer.
What if I bought my BMW X5 or X6 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X5 or X6 is included, then reference recall 19V017 when you contact a BMW dealer for the free air bag module replacement.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V017000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V017 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V017000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Report (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (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 →