BMW Recalls Over 390,000 Vehicles in the US Due to Defective Airbag Inflators
German automaker BMW is recalling over 390,000 vehicles in the US due to potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators that may explode upon deployment. The recall covers certain BMW 3 Series Sedans and Sportwagon models manufactured between 2006 and 2012.
The faulty airbag inflators were installed by owners after market replacement, even though they were not officially approved by BMW as a replacement part. These inflators have been linked to at least 27 deaths and hundreds of injuries in the US due to their tendency to explode when deployed, releasing metal fragments into the vehicle.
BMW began investigating after non-US dealers reported cars arriving for service with affected inflators despite no previous recalls. The company then confirmed that an owner in the US had installed an unapproved airbag inflator after replacing the original steering wheel with a sport or M-sport option.
The recall covers over 390,000 vehicles, including certain BMW 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, and M-sport options. BMW is urging owners to take their vehicles to dealers as soon as possible for a free repair.
Takata airbag inflators have been at the center of the largest and most complex recall in automotive history. Over 100 million vehicles with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled worldwide, making it one of the most widespread safety issues in recent history.
BMW joins a growing list of automakers that have issued recalls due to defective Takata airbags, including Honda, Toyota, Ford, and General Motors. The recall is expected to cost BMW around $150 million.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is urging owners of affected vehicles to check the NHTSA website for more information on the recall and how to schedule a repair.