BMW Recalling Vehicles Containing Takata Air Bags
Multiple sources are reporting that BMW is recalling over 230,000 cars and SUVs due to the presence of potentially dangerous air bag inflators manufactured by Takata.
There is concern that these inflators can deploy too forcefully, rupture, and injure drivers and passengers with shrapnel.
About BMW’s Takata Air Bag Recall
This recall covers some 3 series cars from 2000 to 2002, some 5 series vehicles from 2001 to 2002, and some X5 SUVs from 2001 to 2003. BMW says some of the driver’s air bags may contain the air bag inflators in question if the inflator was installed after a previous recall or crash. The affected vehicles would have previously had an inflator made by another company.
Between 2002 and 2015, around 14,600 Takata air bag modules were shipped to the U.S. for utilization as replacement parts. Because BMW hasn’t determined which particular vehicles received the Takata parts, it issued a recall in “an abundance of caution.”
At least 16 deaths and over 180 injuries worldwide have been attributed to the inflators. BMW is said to have discovered the problem in November after a customer asked what company manufactured the inflator in their 3 Series sedan.
Remedies for BMW Customers Potentially Affected by the Takata Air Bag Recall
- Dealers will inspect the air bag systems and they will be replaced if found to be made by Takata.
- Owners will be notified starting March 15.
- The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration advises passengers to wear seatbelts and to sit as far away from the steering wheel or dashboard as possible, to minimize the impact of overly-forceful air bags.
