Recall 24V288 covers 5,761 2014-2015 BMW vehicles with defective head air bag inflators. BMW will replace head air bags free at franchised BMW dealers.
BMW is recalling 5,761 2014-2015 328I, 335I, M3, M4, and other 2 Series, 3 Series, and 4 Series vehicles because the head air bag inflator can fail at the weld joint. An inflator rupture can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the vehicle, and a gas leak can leave the air bag only partly inflated in a crash; BMW dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The head air bag in affected 2014-2015 BMW vehicles is the side window air bag that helps protect an occupant's head in a side impact or rollover. Its inflator is a sealed metal part that produces gas when the air bag deploys, so the bag fills quickly and holds its shape during the crash event.
On these vehicles, the inflator was not built to supplier specifications. That defect can allow corrosion and failure at the weld joint, the seam where sections of the inflator body are joined. If the weld joint fails during deployment, gas can leak from the inflator or the inflator can rupture instead of filling the head air bag as designed.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the head air bag inflator, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a symptom during normal driving.
Who's affected?
Spans 10 BMW model lines across the 2014 and 2015 model years, all tied to the same side air bag component.
| 2015 BMW 328D | side air bag |
|---|---|
| 2014 BMW 335I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 228I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 328I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 320I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 335I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 328I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW M4 | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 328D | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 320I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 228I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW M3 | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW M235I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 435I | side air bag |
| 2014 BMW 428I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW M4 | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW M3 | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 428I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW 435I | side air bag |
| 2015 BMW M235I | side air bag |
| Units affected | 5,761 |
| 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 this recall applies to your specific car.
What's the safety risk?
A ruptured inflator can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the vehicle, increasing injury risk. A leaking inflator can also leave the head air bag only partly inflated in a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 BMW 328D, 335I, 228I, 328I, 320I, M4, M3, M235I, 435I, or 428I is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free head air bag replacement that fixes inflators that can rupture or leak gas during deployment.
- Ask the dealer to confirm the replacement head air bags are ready before your appointment.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW mailed one. If not, reference recall number 24V288 when you call.
- Call BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 with questions about scheduling or the free repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the head air bags covered by the recall. The replacement parts and labor are free. BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers documented out-of-pocket repairs tied to the same head air bag issue before the owner notice. If you've already paid for a related repair, bring invoices and payment records to the service desk or contact BMW customer service about the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 24, 2024 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 24, 2024 | Dealer notification began |
| April 24, 2024 | Dealer notification ended |
| June 14, 2024 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| November 4, 2024 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 24V288?
Recall 24V288 covers 5,761 2014-2015 BMW 328D, 335I, 228I, 328I, 320I, M4, M3, M235I, 435I, and 428I vehicles with head air bag inflators that can leak gas or rupture at the weld joint. BMW dealers will replace the head air bags for free.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 BMW 328D, 335I, 228I, 328I, 320I, M4, M3, M235I, 435I, or 428I is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 24V288. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the head air bag replacement. Reference recall number 24V288 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost to owners. BMW says dealers will replace the head air bags free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 24V288?
The risk is injury from a head air bag inflator that ruptures or does not fully inflate. A rupture can send sharp metal fragments into or out of the vehicle. A gas leak can leave the air bag only partly inflated during a crash.
What if I bought this BMW used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your exact BMW is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer with recall number 24V288. BMW mailed owner notification letters on November 4, 2024.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/24V288000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 24V288 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 24V288000 |
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 Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (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 →