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Certain Nissan and Infiniti AirBags May Explode

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 16, 2020 – Nissan North America is recalling over 300,000 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles with faulty airbag inflators that could explode without warning, propelling sharp and metal objects toward vehicle occupants. The recall includes

2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2007-2011 Nissan Versa sedan and hatchback.
2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35
2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45
2006-2010 Infiniti M35

The Defect

Affected vehicles were manufactured with faulty airbag inflators supplied by Takata, now a bankrupt company, that has phased out airbags in accordance with documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. A Nissan spokesperson announced that “Nissan Group is implementing the next phase of the Takata inflator recalls in accordance with the predetermined coordinated remedy schedule set by NHTSA.”

The recall outlines that airbag inflators, subjected to high temperatures or humidity, could explode sending propellant and metal objects toward the driver and other occupants. This could result in injury or death. NHTSA estimated that sixteen people in the U.S. have been killed and 250 have been injured due to the defective airbag inflators. Of the recalled vehicles, NHTSA estimates that 25 percent, or 13 million vehicles, are still to be repaired by Nissan.

Solution

Affected owners should take their vehicle into any authorized Nissan or Infiniti dealership to replace the defective airbag inflator, free of charge. Nissan will notify the owners on February 10, 2020 asking to bring their vehicles into any authorized dealers for proper service. Affected vehicle owners should contact Infiniti customer service at 888-810-3715 or Nissan customer service at 888-737-9511, for further recall information.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 300,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 103,241 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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About MotorSafety.org

MotorSafety.org is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to vehicle safety and assisting consumers with the identification and resolution of vehicle manufacturing recalls and defects. Through education, awareness, government relations, repair facility referrals and strategic partnerships, MotorSafety.org hopes to remove every unsafe vehicle from the road, facilitate its proper repair, and ensure its prompt return to the owner once the vehicle has met the required safety and performance standards. For more information about MotorSafety.org, please email support@motorsafety.org.

Airbag Inflators May Explode in Certain BMW Vehicles

January 15, 2020 Marshall Earley BMW Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

re: NHTSA Campaign 20V018000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 23, 2020 – BMW (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling 292,948 vehicles equipped with faulty front passenger airbag inflators that could explode when placed under extreme or long-term weather conditions. The recall includes the following models:

2000 – 2005 BMW 323iT
2000 – 2005 BMW 325iT
2000 – 2005 BMW
2000 – 2005 BMW 325xiT
2000 – 2005 BMW 320i
2000 – 2005 BMW 323i
2000 – 2005 BMW 325i
2000 – 2005 BMW 325xi
2000 – 2005 BMW 328i
2000 – 2005 BMW 330i
2000 – 2005 BMW330xi
2000 – 2006 BMW 323Ci
2000 – 2006 BMW 325Ci
2000 – 2006 BMW 328Ci
2000 – 2006 BMW 330Ci
2000 – 2006 BMW M3 Coupe
2000 – 2006 BMW 323Cic
2000 – 2006 BMW 325Cic
2000 – 2006 BMW 330Cic
2000 – 2006 BMWM3 Convertible

The defect

Previous replacement parts, used to satisfy Takata airbag inflator recalls, contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN and PSPI), which will explode once subjected to high temperatures and long term humidity exposure.

The front passenger airbag in affected vehicles could explode and send metal objects toward the car’s occupants.

The solution

Affected vehicle owners will be notified on the official recall date – March, 6, 2020. Official licensed BMW dealerships will perform the proper repairs in accordance with the recalled parts.

This will be free of charge. The appropriate solution is to replace the faulty frontal airbag (passenger side) with another inflator that does not contain ammonium nitrate (PSAN). After the proper repair, inflators should not explode even under long-term exposure to high temperatures and humidity.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 292,000 vehicles were originally part of this BMW recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 100,844 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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BMW recalls cars with exploding Takata airbags

January 15, 2020 Marshall Earley BMW Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – January 23, 2020 – BMW of North America, LLC is recalling 4,007 vehicles equipped with faulty airbag inflators that could possibly explode when placed under high humidity and heat.

The recall includes:

2009 – 2012 X5 xDrive35d
2008 – 2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M
2007 – 2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M
2010 – 2011 X6 ActiveHybrid

The defect

BMW is recalling over 4,000 vehicles due to risk of unintended airbag deployment. Affected vehicles are equipped with a non-desiccated, front airbag that contains ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2); a propellant used to satisfy previous Takata inflator recalls.

Under long-term high temperatures and humidity the ammonium nitrate propellant (PSPI-2) will explode, sending large metal fragments and shards towards the driver and other vehicle passengers, resulting in serious injuries and possible death.

BMW will notify affected vehicle owners when the official recall begins, which is March 6, 2020. Any officially licensed BMW dealership will perform the proper inflator repairs, free of charge.

The solution

The repair will include a replacement front airbag inflator that does not include ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2). This repair will allow airbag inflators to remain intact under long-term high humidity and temperatures.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Over 4,000 vehicles were originally included in this recall. As of April 30, 2021 – the last date for which information is available – 2,454 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

Note: June 8, 2021

We have noticed a large number of readers are interested in this recall. For that reason, we added the last section and included completion rates. The article has also been edited to reflect the latest editorial standards.

BMW Recalls Vehicles Equipped with Faulty Airbag Inflators

January 15, 2020 Marshall Earley BMW Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

re: NHTSA Campaign 20V017000

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 23, 2020 – BMW of North American, LLC (OTCMKTS:BMWYY) is recalling nearly 60,000 vehicles equipped with faulty airbag inflators that could explode, sending sharp metal objects towards the driver and other occupants. The recall includes the following models:

2008-2013 BMW 1 SERIES M
2008-2013 BMW 128I
2008-2013 BMW 135I
2006-2011 BMW 325I
2006-2012 BMW 325XI
2006-2013 BMW 328I
2006-2012 BMW 328XI
2006-2011 BMW 330I
2006-2011 BMW 330XI
2009-2011 BMW 335D
2006-2013 BMW 335I
2007-2013 BMW 335IS
2006-2011 BMW 335XI
2006-2013 BMW M3
2013-2015 BMW X1
2007-2010 BMW X3
2007-2013 BMW X5
2008-2014 BMW X6
2010-2011 BMW X6 ActiveHybrid SAC

The defect

The affected driver-side frontal inflators are non-desiccated and contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as repair parts for all authorized Takata recalls.

Exposed to long periods of humidity and high temperatures, the ammonium nitrate (PSAN) could cause the driver frontal inflator to explode sending sharp metal fragments that could result in severe injury to the vehicle occupants or death.

The solution

BMW will notify affected vehicle owners by March 6, 2020 when the official recall will begin. All official BMW dealerships will perform the necessary repair free of charge. The repair consists of replacing the previous faulty Takata airbags with an inflator that does not contain ammonium nitrate.

X5 and X6 vehicles will only need the inflator and not the whole apparatus replaced.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

Nearly 60,000 vehicles were originally part of this recall. As of April 9, 2021 – the last date information was available – 43,982 airbags had been replaced. To see if your car still needs to be repaired, use MotorSafety’s free lookup tool.

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New BMWs May Have Seat Belt Issue

January 10, 2020 Sean Reyes BMW Recalls

Laguna Hills, Calif. – January 9, 2019 – BMW of North America, LLC is recalling certain 2019 – 2020 330i and 330i xDrive vehicles. The outboard rear seat belt pre-tensioners may not lock as they are intended to in the event of a crash.

The estimated total of affected vehicles is 135.

The defect

Affected vehicles’ pre-tensioner inflator tubes may not have been crimped while in production. As a result, affected pre-tensioners have not been produced to meet BMW specifications.

The issue poses a potential risk because the seat belt pre-tensioners may fail to lock, causing the occupant to slide forward rapidly and increasing the risk of injury. The seat belt itself, however, will still lock during a crash.

BMW has not received any reports of accidents or injuries that were caused by this defect.

Timeline of events

On December 2, 2019, the retractor part supplier, Autolive ASP, Inc, a pre-tensioner that was out-of-specification was observed during supplier production. According to the supplier, the pre-tensioner lacked a crimp along the circumference of the tube.

Further review by Autolive ASP revealed that some defective parts had already shipped and been used in production by BMW.

BMW used vehicle assembly information and supplier production records to determine the production dates and vehicle numbers of vehicles that may have defective parts. Affected production dates were determined to be within a range from April, 2019 to December, 2019.

On December 19, 2019, BMW decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall. Certified BMW dealers were notified the next day.

The solution

Affected owners will receive a letter on February 10, 2020 by first class mail with information about the recall. Once the letter has been received, vehicles should be brought to a certified BMW Dealer.

In order for the process to run smoothly, and to ensure that BMW has all of their information updated, owners are encouraged to register their vehicles online.

To perform the recall, BMW dealers will replace the entire affected rear seat safety belt, free of charge. The process should take about one hour per vehicle.

Owners can continue to drive their vehicles in the lead up to the recall. However, owners are encouraged to bring their vehicles to have the problem remedied as some as possible after receiving a notification.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

2018 S Class Mercedes May Have Small Brake Systems

January 10, 2020 Sean Reyes Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Laguna Hills, Calif., January 9, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2018 S560 and S450 vehicles. Affected vehicles may have front brake components, including the brake discs, calipers and pads, that have different dimensions than what was specified for the vehicle. The issue falls under the category of Light Vehicle Brake Systems.

The Defect

Affected vehicles were manufactured with a front braking system that has smaller dimensions than what was specified for S560 and S450 vehicles. The issue occurred as a result of inaccurate documentation at a production facility. According to Mercedes Benz, the defect poses no imminent safety harm and the smaller braking system still meets federal standards. However, incorrectly sized brake components may lead to incorrect replacement parts being used during vehicle brake repairs. This could create potential safety problems in the future, including an increased likelihood of crashing.

Timeline of Events

In June, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA’s After Sales Division received a field report from a workshop located outside of the U.S., notifying them of a possible variance between the dimensions of a vehicle’s braking system and its intended specifications. Further investigation by Mercedes Benz determined the cause of the issue. An affected population was established through production records. In September 2019, the company determined that braking systems with smaller dimensions had also been installed in other models.

As a result of the investigation, Mercedes Benz began testing the smaller braking systems to make sure that they could operate safely in the affected vehicles. While Mercedes Benz concluded that the error did not result in any violations of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the company was concerned about potential non-compliance with local legal requirements.

On December 13, 2019, Mercedes Benz USA decided to conduct a voluntary recall.

The Solution

Affected owners can have their vehicle’s front axle brake system replaced by a certified Mercedes Benz dealer. Components that will need to be replaced include the TS Brake pads, both the left and right Brake Caliper and both the left and right Brake Discs. Mercedes Benz USA does not plan to pre-notice reimbursement to owners because all of the replacements are covered by Mercedes Benz’s new vehicle warranty.

The issue was replaced in production on May 16, 2018. Vehicles produced after that date will be free of the defect. As a part of the recall, Mercedes Benz will be required to submit six consecutive quarterly status reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with the first report due within 30 days of the end of the quarter.

Mercedes Benz dealers were notified of the voluntary recall on December 27, 2019. The company plans to notify affected owners on February 14, 2020.

For more information about this and other safety recalls, visit motorsafety.org.

A Decade of Mercedes Benz Vehicles May Have Sliding Roof Panel Defect

January 10, 2020 Sean Reyes Mercedes-Benz Recalls

Laguna Hills, Calif., January 9, 2019 – Mercedes Benz USA, LLC is recalling certain 2001-2011 vehicles from a range of lines. Many of these vehicles have sliding roof panels that have become less adhesive, leaving the panel at risk of detaching from the vehicle and causing injury.

The estimated number of affected vehicles is 744,852, although as few as 2% of those vehicles may have the defect.

The Defect

According to Mercedes Benz, the bonding between the roof glass panel and the sliding roof frame may have deteriorated, resulting in the glass panel coming detached in extreme circumstances. The issue mostly occurred in the production of some vehicles from January 16, 2006 to August 21, 2006. A review by the components supplier, Webasto Roof and Components SE, revealed a change of production methods starting August 22, 2006. As a result, vehicles using components that were manufactured from that day forward are believed to be free of the defect.

The list of potentially impacted vehicles is long and includes the C32, C55, C320, C230, C240, C280, C350, CLS63, CLS500, CLS550, CLK320, CLK500, E55, E63, E280, E300, E320, E350, E450, E500, E550 lines across several model years.

The exact cause of the issue remains unclear.

Timeline of Events

In December 2017, Mercedes Benz began performing initial investigations of the sliding roof panel on certain model years after a series of isolated field reports from outside the U.S. No damage or injuries had been reported as a part of these field reports. The panels that were involved in each field report were retrieved and analyzed by Mercedes Benz, as well as Webasto Roof and Components SE, and an outside laboratory. These tests came back with inconclusive results.

To continue research, Mercedes Benz searched the global used car market for more sliding roof panels, since none of the affected models were still in production at Mercedes Benz facilities. In November, 2018, three sliding panels were procured and tested. One of those panels was defective due to the lack of cohesion.

The Solution

Affected owners can bring their vehicles into a certified Mercedes Benz dealer to have their glass panel bonding checked, free of charge. In situations where a dealer finds that the bonding has become less adhesive, they will replace the entire sliding roof panel. Components that will need to be replaced include the sliding sunroof, front blinds, blind on glass and trim.

If owners have already taken their vehicle in for repairs on this issue previous to the recall, they may be eligible for a reimbursement from Mercedes Benz. Requests for reimbursement should include information about the parts, labor, fees and taxes. Reimbursements are capped off at the amount that the repair would have cost if it were performed by a certified Mercedes Benz dealer.

As a part of the recall, Mercedes Benz will be required to submit six consecutive quarterly status reports to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with the first report due within 30 days of the end of the quarter. In addition, given the extensive length of time between the production of the first defective vehicle and the first field report, Mercedes Benz will be required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to develop a plan for vehicles that are currently not defective may be become so in the future.

Mercedes Benz dealers were notified of the voluntary recall on December 27, 2019. The company plans to notify affected owners on February 14, 2020.

For more information on this and other recalls, visit www.motorsafety.org.

Nissan Recalls a Variety of Vehicles Due to Issue With Replacement Airbag

January 9, 2020 Sean Reyes Infiniti Recalls, Nissan Recalls, Takata Airbag Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Jan 9, 2020 – Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling over 300,000 vehicles that may be equipped with non-desiccated frontal airbag inflators used as temporary remedy replacement parts for a previous recall. The inflators are in danger of rupturing due to exposure to high levels of humidity or temperatures, as well as rapid temperature changes. The recall includes the following models:

2001-2003 Nissan Maxima
2002-2006 Nissan Sentra
2002-2004 Nissan Pathfinder
2007-2011 Nissan Versa Sedan
2007-2011 Nissan Versa Hatchback
2001-2004 Infiniti I30
2001-2005 Infiniti I35
2002-2003 Infiniti QX4
2003-2008 Infiniti FX35
2003-2008 Infiniti FX45
2006-2010 Infiniti M35
2006-2010 Infiniti M45

The Defect

Non-desiccated air bag inflators were equipped on various Nissan vehicles as temporary stopgap remedies in previous Takata airbag recalls. These inflators have a defect of their own; due to the presence of moisture in these parts, the inflator’s supply of stabilized ammonium nitrate is susceptible to changes in pressure. These pressure changes can occur due to high temperatures or high levels of humidity – in addition, rapid temperature cycling can also cause these pressure changes. At high enough temperatures or humidity, the inflators can explode, resulting in metal debris impacting the driver and passengers in the vehicle. This increases the risk of personal injury to occupants as well as collisions resulting from either distraction or incapacitating injuries.

Timeline of Events

In early January, Takata sent out Defect Report 20E-001, detailing a defect they discovered in some airbag inflators used as temporary replacement parts in a recall. Upon receipt of this report, Nissan collated a list of previously recalled vehicles equipped with this remedy. It was determined that 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 / M45 vehicles were equipped with these replacement parts.

After the confirming the risk, Nissan drafted a safety recall January 2, 2020, brought upon by an “abundance of caution” according to the initial filing. On January 9, this recall notice became public, and owners of the affected vehicles were made aware of the risk. Preparations were made to replace the non-desiccated inflators with correct desiccated ones; the remedy process is projected to start in early February.

The Solution

In accordance with the initial recall, Nissan will notify owners of the danger and replace the air bag inflators with non defective ones, free of charge. Owners will be periodically notified and reminded of the defective nature of the parts and the recall will be distinguished from the original to avoid confusion. Owners can bring their vehicles to authorized retailers in order to receive their free replacement parts. However, until then, owners are advised not to operate their vehicles due to the risk involved to both occupants and other motorists. This recall is expected to begin February 10, 2020.

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

BMW Vehicles may Unexpectedly Shift into Neutral

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes BMW Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – December 20, 2019 – BMW of North America LLC is recalling certain 2017-2019 2019-2020 M8 Gran Coupe, M8 Coupe, and M8 Convertible vehicles. The transmission wiring harness can be more easily damaged, causing an electrical short circuit.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 3,012.

The defect

According to BMW, the transmission wiring harness can be damaged by both high temperatures and compression from the wiring harness mounting clip, resulting in an electrical short circuit in the transmission wiring harness.

The defect is caused by mistakes in the setup of insulation material for the harness, routing, and some of the fastening points of the harness to the transmission housing.

A short circuit could cause the vehicle to unexpectedly shift into neutral while driving. The rapid loss of propulsion may cause a crash. No accidents have been reported that resulted from this defect.

Timeline of events

On September 24, 2019, a vehicle’s transmission unexpectedly shifted into neutral at a BMW assembly plant. The vehicle could not shift back into drive.

Starting in October, BMW performed an engineering and assembly process review, as well as a field incident analysis. The field incident analysis found that the problem had occurred with 18 vehicles worldwide. Final analysis determined the cause of the problem.

On December 4, 2019 BMW decided to have a voluntary safety recall

The solution

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicles to a certified BMW dealer for repairs, free of charge. Dealers will replace and reroute the transmission wiring harness with new fasteners.

Rerouting will occur even if no damage has occurred. The entire process should take about an hour. The repairs will be covered by the BMW New Vehicle Limited Warranty.

Affected owners are told to wait until they have received their official letter from BMW before making an appointment, to ensure that all dealers have the necessary equipment

Dealers will be notified of the recall beginning December 1, 2019, while owners will be notified February 3, 2020.

Check your car’s recall status using MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.

Sparks in Ford trucks may cause fire

January 6, 2020 Sean Reyes Ford Recalls

Laguna Hills, CA – Dec. 20, 2019 – Ford Motor Company is recalling certain 2017-2019 F-Super Duty F-250, F-350, F-450 and SuperCrew Cab vehicles. The front seat pretensioner may spark in the event of a crash and ignite carpeting or insulation.

The potential number of vehicles affected is estimated at 490,574.

The Defect

According to an investigation by Ford, the front seat pretensioner may generate excessive sparks during a crash. In some cases, these sparks can interact with exhaust gas and cause the vehicle’s carpet or carpet insulation in the B-pillar area to catch on fire.The defect is unique to the 2017-2019 model year, as those vehicles were built with unique seat belt pretensioners. All vehicles assembled after October 29, 2019 were modified to prevent the issue.

So far there has been one report in the U.S. of a fire caused by the seat belt pretensioner.

Timeline of Events

In September 2018, Ford did some testing on the B-pillar area of their Super Duty vehicles, after a similar issue was reported in the 2015-2018 F-150 model. At that time, Ford did not determine that the area was at risk of combustion. In October 2019, Ford received a report from NHTSA of a post-crash fire in the B-pillar area of a 2019 F-250 Crew Cab. Both Ford and NHTSA inspected the vehicle and Ford performed analysis on related parts. Ford also performed nearly 300 vehicle level tests, finding issues in a few cases. Further inspection found that variance in the profile of the carpet edge was a determinate on whether the carpet combusted. While the investigation was still ongoing, Ford began adding heat resistant foil tape to all 2019 model year vehicles.

On December 4, 2019 Ford’s Field Review Committee reviewed the situation and approved field action.

The Solution

Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by mail and told to take their vehicles to a certified Ford or Lincoln dealer for repairs. Dealers will apply heat resistant foil tape to the carpet and carpet insulation edges in affected vehicles and modify the sound deadener on the back of the B-pillar trim panel.

Dealers will be notified of the recall beginning December 12, 2019, while owners will be notified from January 20, 2020 to January 24, 2020.

For more information on this or other recalls past or present, visit MotorSafety.org.

The Defect

Solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The defect

The solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The defect

The solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The defect

The solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The defect

Timeline of events

The solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

The Defect

Timeline of Events

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The Defect

Timeline of Events

The Solution

Is your vehicle part of the recall?

The defect

Timeline of events

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The Defect

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