The BMW X5 was BMW’s first successful entry into the SUV market. It’s not often that you’ll run into vehicle recalls, but when the manufacturer calls for one, it’s important to address any and all recall issues as soon as possible.
How many airbag recalls currently exist for the BMW X5?
As of September 2020 – 11 airbag-related recalls have been issued. Some of which include:
- Front seat occupant protection mat defect
- Passenger frontal airbag inflator may rupture
- Incorrectly welded driver airbag inflator
- Driver’s frontal airbag inflator may rupture
Fortunately, this article goes in-depth about each of the 11 BMW X5 airbag recalls. You’ll also learn crucial steps to take if your vehicle is involved in any of the recalls mentioned below.
Front Seat Occupant Protection Mat Defect
NHTSA Recall ID: 13V564000
The front seat occupant protection mat activates the passenger frontal airbag if the front passenger seat is occupied. However, cracks caused by fatigue may prevent this component from working properly. This recall affects the 2006 BMW X5 and other BMW vehicles with certain seat types.
A defective front seat occupant protection mat will prevent the passenger frontal airbag from deploying in the event of a crash, putting front seat passengers at risk of serious injury or worse. Ignoring this recall could easily jeopardize occupant safety.
Your BMW dealer will repair the front seat occupant protection mat to eliminate the possibility of fatigue-induced cracks.
Head Protection System Airbag Improper Inflation
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V147000
On certain vehicles, the Head Protection System (HPS) airbag may not be connected properly to the airbag inflator gas generator. As a result, the HPS may not inflate properly during a vehicle crash, putting you and your passengers at greater risk of injury.
This recall affects the following vehicles:
- 2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35d made between August 2014 and February 2015
- 2014-2015 BMW X5 xDrive 35i, sDrive 35i and xDrive 50i made between August 2013 and February 2015
The remedy involves replacing the Head Protection System at no charge to owners.
Driver Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 15V318000
This recall involves 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i models equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The inflator inside the dual-stage frontal airbag could deteriorate if exposed to moisture over time. This could cause the inflator to rupture during airbag deployment.
If the inflator ruptures during a crash, it could send metal fragments into the cabin and seriously injured occupants. BMW’s solution involves replacing the front driver airbag module, free of charge.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V364000
On 2007-2011 BMW X5 models registered in certain areas, the propellant found inside the passenger frontal airbag inflator may degrade with long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling. This could cause the inflator to rupture if the airbag deploys.
If the inflator ruptures during a crash, passengers could be seriously injured by the resulting metal fragments. Your BMW dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator or airbag module at no cost.
Incorrectly Welded Driver Airbag Inflator
NHTSA Recall ID: 16V683000
A properly functioning airbag is crucial for reducing driver and passenger injuries in the event of a crash. Unfortunately, certain model year 2014-2015 X5 vehicles may contain a driver’s frontal airbag inflator that was not welded properly.
Without the correct welds, the inflator housing could separate from its base plate. If this happens during a crash, you could be seriously injured or worse by flying metal components.
To resolve this issue, your BMW dealer will replace the driver’s frontal airbag.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V189000
On certain 2017 X5 models, the airbag inflator within the passenger frontal airbag module may not be properly vented. This could cause the inflator to rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. These fragments could strike and seriously injure anyone in the vehicle.
To ensure the safety of you and your passengers, BMW will replace the affected airbag modules at no cost.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V020000
This recall covers 2012 X5 models sold in certain regions, as well as certain 2007-2008 X5 models. The inflators used with the passenger frontal airbag modules in these models could rupture due to propellant degradation caused by long-term exposure to high humidity and temperatures.
If the passenger frontal airbag deploys in the event of an accident, the inflators could rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin. These fragments could cause serious injuries or worse.
The remedy involves replacing the front passenger airbag inflator or airbag module.
Driver’s Frontal Airbag Inflator May Rupture
NHTSA Recall ID: 17V047000
On certain 2001-2003 X5 3.0i, X5 4.4i, and X5 4.6is vehicles, the airbag inflator contained within the driver’s side airbag module could rupture due to propellant degradation. These vehicles may have already had their airbags replaced as part of a previous recall campaign.
Ignoring this recall could be dangerous since a ruptured inflator could send metal fragments towards the driver, resulting in serious injuries or worse.
Your BMW dealer will inspect the driver’s side airbag module and replace the unit if needed.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 18V030000
On affected vehicles, propellant degradation caused by long-term exposure to high humidity and temperatures could cause the passenger frontal airbag inflator to explode. If that happens during an airbag deployment, the resulting metal shards could seriously injure passengers.
This recall involves the following vehicles sold in certain areas:
- 2007-2013 X5 models sold in “Zone A”
- 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d, sold in “Zone A”
- 2007-2010 X5 models sold in “Zone B”
- 2007-2009 X5 models sold in “Zone C”
The remedy involves replacing the passenger frontal airbag module, free of charge.
Passenger Frontal Airbag Inflator May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V017000
On certain passenger frontal airbag modules used as original or replacement equipment, the airbag inflator may explode due to degraded propellant. The propellant can deteriorate when exposed long-term to excess humidity and temperature cycling. This recall impacts the 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, xDrive35i, xDrive48i, xDrive50i and M models.
As a remedy, your BMW dealer will replace the passenger frontal airbag at no additional cost.
Passenger Airbag Inflators May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V016000
This recall impacts the following vehicles:
- 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d
- 2007-2012 X5 models
The passenger frontal airbags may have already been replaced under a previous recall. The phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant used in these airbag inflators may deteriorate with exposure to high humidity and high temperatures.
This could result in the airbag inflators exploding when the passenger airbag deploys.
Passengers could be seriously injured or worse due to the metal fragments.
The fix involves replacing the passenger frontal airbag.
Driver Airbag Inflators May Explode
NHTSA Recall ID: 20V017000
This recall affects all 2007-2013 X5 models and the 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d. The driver frontal airbag may have already been replaced under a previous recall. The phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant used in these airbag inflators may deteriorate with exposure to high humidity and high temperatures.
This could result in the airbag inflators exploding when the driver airbag deploys. Drivers and passengers could be seriously injured or worse due to the metal fragments.
The fix involves replacing the driver frontal airbag inflator, free of charge.
What Should You Do About BMW X5 Airbag Recalls?
Are you worried about your BMW X5? A visit to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website can help ease your fears. You can type in your VIN or vehicle year/make/model to search the database for the latest vehicle recall information.
If your vehicle is included in an open recall, give the BMW customer service line a call at 1-800-525-7417. They’ll tell you the steps needed to have your vehicle repaired by a qualified repair professional.
