BMW X5 Takata Airbag Recall: Over 5,000 First-Gen BMW X5s Recalled for Deadly Safety Defect

BMW X5 Takata Airbag Recall: Your First-Gen BMW X5 Could Still Have A Deadly Safety Defect

BMW X5 Takata Airbag Recall has been announced for over 5,000 first-generation BMW X5 SUVs from the 2000 and 2001 model years. This urgent recall, which expands on a previous NHTSA campaign, concerns potentially explosive Takata airbags that could be hazardous or even deadly upon deployment. The issue highlights the enduring risk posed by defective Takata inflators, even two decades after production, and specifically targets vehicles that may have been retrofitted with a sports steering wheel containing the faulty PSDI-4 airbag inflator.

The Lingering Takata Airbag Threat

The recall addresses a known industry-wide safety risk caused by degrading propellant in the inflators.

• Affected Vehicles: 5,361 BMW X5 SUVs from 2000 and 2001 model years are potentially affected.
• The Defect: Vehicles equipped with a sport steering wheel containing a Takata PSDI-4 airbag inflator are vulnerable to explosion during deployment.
• The Cause: The issue is caused by the inflator’s propellant degrading after long-term exposure to “high absolute humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling”.
• The Danger: The explosion of the inflator can be fatal, prompting the need for urgent attention despite the vehicle’s age.

Why the Recall is Happening Now

The timing of the recall, years after the main Takata scandal, is due to a review of aftermarket modifications.

• Expanded Scope: This recall (NHTSA recall 25V748) expands on a previous NHTSA recall (19V015).
• Retrofit Concern: A new technical review determined that certain BMW X5 vehicles produced before April 2000 “technically could be retrofitted with a sports steering wheel” containing the faulty inflator.
• Abundance of Caution: BMW is checking these older BMW X5s out of an abundance of caution, ensuring that customers who modified their cars for aesthetic reasons are not unknowingly driving with potentially deadly components.

What Owners Should Do Immediately

Given the severity of the defect, BMW owners should take immediate steps to ensure their safety.

• Free Inspection and Replacement: BMW will inspect and, if necessary, replace the driver’s front airbag free of charge.
• Notification Date: Owners will be notified by First Class mail and can schedule appointments for repair starting on December 23, 2025.
• Avoid Driving: Owners are strongly advised to simply avoid driving the car until their VIN is confirmed on NHTSA.gov and the replacement is completed. Driving should be avoided even if you know the part number, as the airbag can explode even if the battery is disconnected.

Final Thoughts

The BMW X5 Takata Airbag Recall is a stark reminder that legacy safety defects can persist for decades, particularly in vehicles that have undergone aftermarket modifications. This urgent recall underscores the critical importance of checking VINs for outstanding safety issues, even for older, seemingly reliable vehicles.

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