BMW Issues Recall Due to Takata Air Bag Defect

Westwood, NJ – March 3, 2017 – BMW is the latest car manufacturer to recall vehicles containing Takata Corporation air bag assemblies, according to records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall impacts around 840,000 vehicles and applies to  several models, including:

  • 2008-2013, 1 Series coupes
  • 2008-2013, 1 Series convertibles
  • 2007-2013, 3 Series coupes
  • 2007-2013, 3 Series convertibles
  • 2006-2011, 3 Series sedans
  • 2006-2012, 3 Series sports wagons
  • 2013-2015, X1 sports activity vehicles
  • 2007-2010, X3 sports activity vehicles
  • 2007-2013, X5 sports activity vehicles
  • 2008-2014, X6 sports activity vehicles

Recall summary

The front air bag assemblies in affected models contain defective driver-side air bag inflator modules and propellant tablets. In the event of a crash, these fixtures can rupture, propelling sharp metal fragments throughout the cabin and causing serious harm to drivers and passengers. Inspectors have since connected the problem to shoddy fabrication practices in plants in Monclova, Mexico and LaGrange, Georgia. While no BMW drivers or passengers have been harmed due to Takata air bag equipment, the defective fixtures have injured and killed individuals operating vehicles from other manufacturers.

On January 21, 2016, Takata announced that some vehicles in the U.S. contained faulty air bar inflators and propellant tablets. BMW reviewed the announcement and discovered that some of its models contained PSDI-5 inflators, which were indeed deemed defective by Takata engineers. This equipment had originated from the Monclova and LaGrange facilities, as well as another Takata production hub located in Freiberg, Germany. BMW reviewed its fabrication records and decided to issue a recall. The automaker notified dealers February 5.

The repair

BMW has ordered dealers to replace the front driver-side air bag assembly, free of charge. However, supplies are limited at the moment, meaning some customers may have to wait. Owners are expected to receive confirmation March 31.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 800,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 631,588 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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