2011 BMW 528I, 2011 BMW 535I, 2011 BMW 550I Recall: Affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit…
NHTSA campaign 16V832000 · Air Bags · filed Nov 17, 2016 · verified Jul 30, 2026
The defect
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011 BMW 528i, 528xi, 535i, 535xi, 550i and 550xi vehicles manufactured March 1, 2010, through August 31, 2011. The affected vehicles may have received a replacement Sensor Cluster Unit (SCU) during a service visit. These SCUs have an acceleration sensor that may have been incorrectly programmed and, as a result, the SCU may not accurately determine if activation and deployment of the air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and head restraints is necessary in the event of a crash.
The risk
Depending on the severity of the crash, inadequate activation of the driver and/or passenger air bags, safety belt pre-tensioners and active head restraints may increase the risk of injury.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →The fix — what to do
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the SCU, free of charge. The recall began on December 16, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Affected vehicles
Related recalls
More BMW 528I recalls
- 2014–2016 BMW 228I and 11 other models — An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump…
- 2014–2015 BMW 320I and 15 other models — Please see the recall report for the complete list of models
- 2008–2011 BMW 128I and 7 other models — Heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve…
- 2017 BMW 430I and 17 other models — Affected vehicles have seat- mounted side air bag inflator…
- 2010–2011 BMW 5-Series Gran Turismo and 9 other models — Affected vehicles have in-tank fuel pumps that may have…
Other campaigns involving BMW vehicles
Source: NHTSA recall database, campaign 16V832000. Data last verified Jul 30, 2026.