BMW 2003 BMW 540I Recall
Check Your Product
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Product
2003 BMW 540I
Brand
BMW
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in NHTSA notice. Check official source for details.
Products Sold
Model Year 2003
BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2003 BMW 540I vehicles due to air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module issues. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.. CRITICAL: Do not drive until repaired.
Summary derived from NHTSA notice
Reason for Recall
As stated by NHTSA
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.
Reported concern (NHTSA)
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Recommended Action
Per NHTSA guidance
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.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) directly.
View official NHTSA recall noticePage updated: Jan 10, 2026