BMW 5 Series Recall R/2021/228: A Microprocessor Fault In The Airbag Control Unit Can Lead To Faulty Operating Conditions, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Urgent
- How serious
- 21 Jun 2021
- Launched
- 354
- vehicles in the UK
- 0065770100
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
BMW recalled 5 Series vehicles built between 9 January 2001 and 29 August 2001. A microprocessor fault in the airbag control unit can lead to faulty operating conditions. The dealer will replace the airbag control unit. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
A microprocessor fault in the airbag control unit can lead to faulty operating conditions.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: A MICROPROCESSOR FAULT IN THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT CAN LEAD TO FAULTY OPERATING CONDITIONS Defect: A microprocessor fault in the airbag control unit can lead to faulty operating conditions. Remedy: The airbag control unit will be replaced.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to faulty operating conditions.
The Fix
The dealer will replace the airbag control unit.
Are You Affected?
5 Series built between 9 January 2001 and 29 August 2001 may be included. BMW estimates 354 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with BMW, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with BMW.
- Book with any franchised BMW dealer, quoting the campaign code 0065770100 or the DVSA reference R/2021/228. See how to get a BMW recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Series, 5 Series Touring, 7 Series, 7 Series - High Security and 2 moreChecking and re-securing the air-conditioning wiring harness | Urgent | R/2026/092 | |
| 2 Series, 3 Series, 3 Series Touring, 4 Series and 7 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2026/054 | |
| 1 Series, 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 2 Series and 22 moreTakata driver and/or passenger airbag recall (Global VINs) | Urgent | R/2025/349 | |
| 5 SeriesProgram control units (CoC documents) | Low | R/2026/075 | |
| 1 Series 3 Door Hatch, 1 Series 5 Door Hatch, 3 Series, 3 Series PHEV and 14 moreReplace the engine starter motor | Urgent | R/2025/405 |
This is one of 275 BMW recalls in DVSA’s data. The BMW recall launched before it was R/2021/227 on 21 Jun 2021, for the reinforcement ring (thimble) may not have been securely crimped onto the belt…. The one launched after it was R/2021/267 on 13 Jul 2021, for the brake pedal shaft could become detached from the pedal controls bearing mount. You can also see every BMW recall, all recalls launched in 2021 and airbag recalls across every make.
Source: DVSA recall R/2021/228, launched 21 June 2021. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.