BMW of North America is recalling 36 model-year 2017 BMW X5 sDrive35i, xDrive35i, xDrive50i, xDrive35d and xDrive40e SUVs. The recall bulletin filed with NHTSA says that the passenger frontal airbag modules use certain airbag inflators that may not vent properly in a crash necessitating passenger frontal airbag deployment. This could cause the inflator to rupture and propel metal fragments into the cabin, striking occupants and causing serious injury or death.
Despite the similarity, this issue is unrelated to the massive ongoing safety crisis involving airbag inflators manufactured by Japan’s Takata Corp., a BMW spokesman confirmed to Cars.com.
Dealers will replace the airbag modules for free.
BMW began notifying owners on March 20. Owners can call the automaker at 800-525-7417, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.
