Recall 19V851 affects 7,910 1999 BMW 328I and 323I vehicles for rupture-prone driver air bag inflators. Do not drive. Free repair at a franchised BMW dealer.
In a crash that deploys the driver air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the driver or passengers. An underinflated air bag can also fail to protect the occupant. Both failures raise the risk of serious injury or death. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. Ask the dealer about towing if it must move. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 7,910 1999 328I and 323I vehicles under recall 19V851 because Takata NADI driver air bag inflators can rupture or leave the air bag underinflated during a crash. Do not drive an included vehicle until a BMW dealer completes the free recall repair.
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What's wrong?
The driver front air bag inflator in the 1999 BMW 328I and 323I is the metal gas generator inside the driver air bag module. In a crash, it is supposed to ignite in a controlled way and fill the air bag cushion quickly enough to protect the driver.
These cars use a Takata Non-Azide Driver Inflator, or NADI, made at one specific production facility. BMW's filing says the suspect inflators lack PSAN propellant and have a manufacturing issue that lets moisture into the inflator. Moisture changes how the inflator behaves during deployment. When the air bag is commanded to deploy, the inflator can rupture or fail to fully inflate the cushion.
An owner will not hear, smell, or feel this problem during normal driving. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Both listed models are tied to the same driver-side front air bag inflator module.
| 1999 BMW 328I | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 1999 BMW 323I | front air bag |
| Units affected | 7,910 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 4 field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
In a crash that deploys the driver air bag, the inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the driver or passengers. An underinflated air bag can also fail to protect the occupant. Both failures raise the risk of serious injury or death. Do not drive the vehicle, even for short trips. Ask the dealer about towing if it must move. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 1999 BMW 328I or 323I is included in this recall.
- Do not drive the vehicle until the driver air bag inflator repair 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 driver air bag inflator inspection and replacement that addresses rupture or underinflation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V851 when you call.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driver air bag inflator and replaces it if the inspection shows it is covered by the recall. The inspection, replacement parts, and labor are free under the recall. Do not drive the vehicle before the recall repair unless BMW or the dealer gives transport instructions. BMW's standard reimbursement plan applies to eligible documented driver air bag repairs paid before the recall notice. Keep receipts and repair paperwork, and contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 to start that review.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 31, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 1, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V851?
Recall 19V851 covers 7,910 1999 BMW 328I and 323I vehicles with Takata NADI driver air bag inflators. Moisture can cause the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate during deployment, increasing the risk of serious injury or death. Do not drive the vehicle until the dealer completes the free repair.
What should I do if my 1999 BMW 328I or 323I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific BMW is included in recall 19V851. If it is, do not drive it to the dealer. Call a franchised BMW dealer, reference recall 19V851, and ask about towing for the free driver air bag inflator inspection and replacement.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it, as needed, free of charge. The free repair applies at any franchised BMW dealer.
What does 'do not drive' mean for this BMW recall?
Do not drive the vehicle, including short trips, until the recall repair is complete. BMW recommends that owners stop driving because the driver air bag inflator can rupture or the air bag cushion can underinflate in a crash. Ask the BMW dealer about towing if the vehicle must be moved.
What if I bought my 1999 BMW 328I or 323I used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 19V851 when you schedule the air bag inflator inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V851000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V851 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V851000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →