Vehicle recall 20V018000 · January 15, 2020

BMW 323CI, 325Ci and 13 more models

These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

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 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high 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: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. 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: 20V018000
Reported to NHTSA: January 15, 2020
Filed by: BMW of North America, LLC
Owner notification: February 13, 2020
Vehicles potentially affected: 292,948
Initiated by: NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation
Components: Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module

Recall 20V018000 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 320i (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 323CI (2000-2006): 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 323i (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 323IT (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 325Ci (2000-2006): 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 325i (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 325IT (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 325xi (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 325XIT (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 328Ci (2000-2006): 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 328i (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 330Ci (2000-2006): 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 330i (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW 330xi (2000-2005): 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
BMW M3 (2000-2006): 2006, 2005, 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.