Recall 23V079 affects 15,803 2022-2023 BMW X1 and Ix vehicles for a driver's air bag defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 15,803 2022-2023 X1 and Ix vehicles because an incorrectly manufactured front driver's air bag can fail to deploy as intended during a crash. That failure increases injury risk for the driver, and BMW dealers will replace the air bag free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The driver air bag in the 2022-2023 BMW X1 and Ix is the front air bag built into the steering wheel. In a crash, it is designed to inflate in a controlled path between the driver and the steering wheel so it can help manage impact forces. The module depends on its internal fabric, inflator, and tether straps being assembled to specification.
In NHTSA campaign 23V079, BMW says the driver air bag was not produced to specification at the supplier. The problem centers on a rebound tether strap, an internal strap that helps control how the bag opens and where it moves after inflation starts. If that strap is wrong from assembly, the air bag's deployment path changes, so the bag does not deploy as intended during a crash.
There is no warning sign before failure. The air bag can look normal from the driver's seat, and the issue appears only when the air bag is commanded to deploy.
Who's affected?
Covers the X1 and Ix across the 2022 and 2023 model years, with the same front air bag component listed for each.
| 2022 BMW X1 | front air bag |
|---|---|
| 2023 BMW X1 | front air bag |
| 2022 BMW Ix | front air bag |
| 2023 BMW Ix | front air bag |
| Units affected | 15,803 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the driver's air bag does not deploy as intended in a crash, the driver has a higher risk of injury. Drive cautiously and schedule the recall repair soon, especially before long trips. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2022-2023 BMW X1 or Ix is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free driver's air bag replacement for the air bag that can fail to deploy as intended in a crash.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 23V079 when you call.
- Avoid putting off the repair once your VIN is confirmed, because the driver's air bag is part of the crash protection system.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the driver's air bag covered by recall 23V079. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Out-of-pocket repairs already paid are handled through the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty program, not through a separate reimbursement program, because BMW says warranty coverage applies to this condition. Ask the service desk how that warranty coverage applies if you have prior repair paperwork.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| February 14, 2023 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 14, 2023 | Dealer notification began |
| February 14, 2023 | Dealer notification ended |
| April 7, 2023 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| April 7, 2023 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| April 14, 2023 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 23V079?
Recall 23V079 covers 15,803 2022-2023 BMW X1 and Ix vehicles with a driver's front air bag that was manufactured incorrectly and can fail to deploy as intended during a crash. BMW dealers will replace the driver's air bag for free.
What should I do if my 2022-2023 BMW X1 or Ix is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 23V079. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the driver's air bag replacement. Reference recall number 23V079 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the driver's air bag free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is injury in a crash. The driver's front air bag can fail to deploy as intended, reducing protection for the driver during impact. If your VIN is included, schedule the free BMW dealer repair.
When did BMW notify owners?
BMW mailed owner notification letters on April 14, 2023. If you bought the vehicle used or never received a letter, check your VIN to confirm whether your specific BMW X1 or Ix is included, then contact a franchised BMW dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/23V079000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 23V079 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 23V079000 |
Source documents
-
Download Quarterly Report (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 20, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →