Vehicle recall 19V015000 · January 14, 2019

BMW X5 SAV, 525i and 2 more models

This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Do not drive affected vehicles until they are repaired. This is the manufacturer’s safety advisory for this recall.

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000-2003 525i Sedan, 530i Sedan, 540i Sedan, 2001-2003 525i Sports Wagon and 540i Sports Wagon vehicles, and 2000-2004 X5 SAV 3.0i, X5 SAV 4.4i, and X5 SAV 4.6is vehicles. This recall affects certain vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with the optional sports steering wheel. The sports steering wheel has a frontal air bag inflator that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle for an optional sports steering wheel with an affected inflator. Dealers will replace the air bag module as necessary, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 19V015000
Reported to NHTSA: January 14, 2019
Filed by: BMW of North America, LLC
Owner notification: March 14, 2019
Vehicles potentially affected: 157,549
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module

Recall 19V015000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

BMW 525i (2000-2003): 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 530i (2000-2003): 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 540i (2000-2003): 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW X5 SAV (2000-2004): 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000

Has your BMW been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

Check your VIN with NHTSA

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A BMW dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.