Recall 19V852 affects 34,396 1999-2000 BMW 323I, 328I, 323CI, and 328CI vehicles for Takata driver air bag inflators. Repair is free at BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 34,396 1999-2000 323I, 328I, 323CI, and 328CI vehicles with Takata NADI driver air bag inflators that can absorb moisture and rupture or underinflate during deployment. In a crash, metal fragments or an underinflated air bag increase the risk of serious injury or death, and BMW dealers will replace the driver air bag free of charge.
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What's wrong?
These BMW vehicles use a Takata Non-Azide Driver Inflator, called a NADI inflator, inside the driver front air bag module. The inflator is the metal canister that produces gas when the air bag deploys, so the driver air bag cushion fills between the driver and the steering wheel.
On affected 1999-2000 BMW 323I, 328I, 328CI, and 323CI vehicles, the NADI inflator has suspect sealing conditions tied to the foil seal tape. Moisture can enter the inflator, and BMW's investigation also points to manufacturing variation, climate, vibration, and vehicle-specific factors. During deployment, that abnormal condition can make the inflator rupture or leave the air bag cushion underinflated instead of filling as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is not expected to hear, see, or feel a problem with the driver air bag before a crash triggers deployment.
Who's affected?
Spans the 323I, 328I, 328CI, and 323CI across the 1999 and 2000 model years, all tied to the driver-side front air bag inflator.
| 1999 BMW 323I | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 1999 BMW 328I | front air bag |
| 2000 BMW 328CI | front air bag |
| 2000 BMW 323I | front air bag |
| 2000 BMW 328I | front air bag |
| 2000 BMW 323CI | front air bag |
| Units affected | 34,396 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 3 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?
If the driver air bag inflator ruptures during a crash, metal fragments can strike the driver or passengers. An underinflated air bag also leaves an occupant with less crash protection. Both outcomes increase the risk of serious injury or death. Confirm whether your VIN is included and schedule the repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm whether your 1999-2000 BMW 323I, 328I, 328CI, or 323CI is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driver air bag inflator inspection and replacement that addresses the rupture or underinflation risk.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 19V852 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions before the dealer visit.
- Avoid delaying the repair. In a crash, the driver air bag inflator can rupture or the air bag can underinflate.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician inspects the driver air bag inflator and replaces it if the recall calls for replacement. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket to replace the driver air bag before the recall notification, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring the repair invoice and proof of payment to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service for claim instructions.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 26, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 17, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| July 27, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V852?
Recall 19V852 covers 34,396 1999-2000 BMW 323I, 328I, 328CI, and 323CI vehicles with Takata NADI driver air bag inflators. Moisture intrusion can lead to inflator rupture or air bag underinflation. BMW dealers inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 1999-2000 BMW 323I, 328I, 328CI, or 323CI is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V852. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the driver air bag inflator inspection. Reference recall number 19V852 when you call. The inspection and replacement, if required, are free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will inspect the driver air bag inflator and replace it as necessary free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The risk is serious in a crash that deploys the driver air bag. A ruptured inflator can send metal fragments toward the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag also reduces occupant protection. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
What if I bought my BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer or BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with recall number 19V852.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V852000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V852 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V852000 |
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 →