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Campaign 20V017 Posted January 15, 2020 59,965 units

2006-2015 BMW 1/3/X Recall 20V017: Air Bag Inflator

RN
Reviewed by the RecallNotify editorial team
Published May 23, 2026

Recall 20V017 covers 59,965 2006-2015 BMW vehicles with Takata driver air bag inflators that can explode. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

BMW is recalling 59,965 2006-2015 vehicles, including 335I, X5, and X6 models, because non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators used as interim Takata repair parts can explode after propellant degradation. If an inflator explodes, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or passengers, and BMW dealers will replace the inflator free of charge.

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What's wrong?

The driver's frontal air bag inflator is the metal canister inside the steering-wheel air bag module. In a crash with a commanded deployment, it burns propellant to create gas quickly, which fills the air bag between the driver and the steering wheel.

In these 2006-2015 BMW vehicles, replacement Takata PSDI-5 driver inflators used non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate propellant. Non-desiccated means the inflator lacks a drying agent that helps control moisture. After years of high humidity, heat, and temperature cycling, the propellant wafers can change. During deployment, that altered propellant can burn too aggressively and rupture the inflator instead of filling the air bag as designed.

There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is sealed inside the air bag module, so the dashboard is not expected to give a reliable advance warning before a rupture during deployment.

Who's affected?

The list spans BMW passenger cars and SUVs using the same driver-side front air bag inflator module. VINs have been searchable since March 6, 2020.

2009 BMW 335I front air bag
2009 BMW 335IS front air bag
2008 BMW 335IS front air bag
2013 BMW X5 front air bag
2009 BMW X5 front air bag
Units affected59,965

The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.

What's the safety risk?

An inflator explosion can send sharp metal fragments into the driver or other occupants, causing serious injury or death. Until the repair is complete, treat this air bag recall as a priority and schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.

What should I do?

  1. Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2015 BMW 128I, 135I, 1 Series M, 325I, 325XI, 328I, 328XI, 330I, 330XI, 335D, 335I, 335IS, 335XI, M3, X1, X3, X5, X6, or X6 Activehybrid Sac is included in this recall.
  2. Contact your nearest franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driver air bag or inflator replacement that addresses the Takata inflator explosion risk.
  3. Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V017 when you call.
  4. Avoid postponing the appointment once BMW confirms your VIN is included.
  5. Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if the dealer cannot confirm parts or scheduling.

What happens at the repair

At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, the technician replaces only the inflator. Parts and labor are covered under recall 20V017, and the dealer repair is free. BMW used its standard reimbursement plan for this recall, so documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to the driver air bag or inflator are handled through that plan. Bring receipts or repair paperwork to the service desk, or contact BMW customer service if the dealer needs to confirm the claim path.

ReimbursementReimbursement available

Timeline

January 15, 2020 NHTSA published the recall
January 16, 2020 Dealer notification began
January 16, 2020 Dealer notification ended
March 6, 2020 VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
March 6, 2020 Interim owner notification (was planned for this date)
March 11, 2020 Owner notification mailed

Frequently asked questions

What is recall 20V017?

Recall 20V017 covers 59,965 2006-2015 BMW vehicles with non-desiccated Takata driver frontal air bag inflators used as interim remedy parts in earlier recalls. The inflator can explode from propellant degradation, sending metal fragments toward the driver or occupants. BMW dealers will replace the driver air bag or inflator for free.

What should I do if my 2006-2015 BMW 335I, 335IS, X5, X6, 135I, 325I, X1, 325XI, 128I, 1 Series M, 328I, 328XI, 335XI, M3, 330XI, 330I, 335D, X3, or X6 Activehybrid Sac is on this recall?

Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V017. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driver air bag or inflator replacement. Reference recall number 20V017 when you call, and ask BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 if you need help.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. BMW's remedy states that all repairs will be performed free of charge, and federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. A franchised BMW dealer will replace the driver air bag, or the inflator on X5 and X6 vehicles, for free.

What is the safety risk?

The risk is an inflator explosion inside the driver frontal air bag. If that happens, sharp metal fragments can strike the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death. BMW's repair replaces the unsafe air bag part at no cost through a franchised dealer.

What if I bought this BMW used?

The free recall repair still applies to used vehicles. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall 20V017 to schedule the no-cost repair.

More information

NHTSA campaign pagenhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V017000
BMW customer service1-800-525-7417
NHTSA recall #20V017
NHTSA recall # (full)20V017000

Source documents

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 →