BMW has announced a recall of 851 vehicles due to potentially dangerous airbag defects that could increase injury risk during crashes. The recall affects select 2014-2015 models where head airbag inflators may fail at critical weld joints.
The German automaker identified the problem in specific inflators that “may fail at the weld joint,” which might cause gas to leak or result in an inflator rupture during deployment. For drivers and passengers of affected vehicles, this manufacturing flaw transforms a safety feature into a potential hazard.
Which Models Are Affected?
The recall specifically targets several popular BMW models from the 2014-2015 model years. These include the 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive).
The issue stems from Autoliv head airbag inflators manufactured outside specification, according to information published by industry watchers. These faulty components can experience accelerated corrosion along the weld seam, potentially leading to gas leakage or complete failure. This recall actually expands on a previous action launched in spring 2024, focusing on vehicles built between February and April 2014.
BMW has been quick to note that no incidents related to this specific defect have been recorded. Still, the company isn’t taking chances with passenger safety.
What Owners Should Do
Owners won’t have to pay for repairs. BMW will replace the head airbags for free at local dealerships, with notification letters expected to be mailed on February 6, 2026. Those with questions can contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
This isn’t the first airbag-related recall for BMW in recent years. The company has also issued a separate “Do Not Drive” warning for approximately 122,000 vehicles equipped with Takata driver’s front airbag inflators. That larger recall affects certain models from 2000-2015, where the propellant may deteriorate over time due to temperature, humidity, and vehicle age.
Airbag recalls have become distressingly common across the auto industry since the massive Takata airbag crisis began more than a decade ago. While this latest BMW recall involves a different manufacturer (Autoliv rather than Takata), it underscores the ongoing challenges automakers face in ensuring airbag reliability across their fleets.
For BMW owners wondering if their vehicle is included in any recall, the safest approach is to check their VIN through BMW’s official recall lookup tool or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.
