BMW Recalls Over 394,000 Vehicles in the US Due to Faulty Airbag Inflators
In a recent development, BMW has issued a recall for more than 394,000 vehicles in the United States. The reason behind this recall is faulty airbag inflators that have the potential to explode. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has posted documents revealing that the affected vehicles are equipped with a sport or M-sport steering wheel containing a Takata driver’s front airbag module.
What makes this recall even more concerning is that these faulty airbag inflators could have been installed by owners themselves, even though they were not officially approved or offered by BMW as replacement parts. This issue adds another layer of complexity to the recall process.
The recall includes certain models of the BMW 3 Series Sedans and Sportswagons manufactured between 2006 and 2012. These models are powered by four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines that run on gasoline or diesel fuel. The U.S. auto safety regulator has highlighted the potential dangers associated with these faulty airbag inflators. An explosion of the inflator could cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants of the car, which could lead to severe injuries or even death.
The faulty airbag inflators, known as PSDI-5, are manufactured by Takata Corp, a Japanese automotive parts company. This recall is part of the larger and more complex recall process involving Takata airbags, which have been linked to numerous deaths and injuries since 2009. According to reports, more than 30 deaths, with at least 26 of them in the United States, have been attributed to Takata airbags in vehicles from various automakers.
The scope of the issue is vast, with over 100 million vehicles worldwide being recalled over the past decade due to Takata airbag inflators. This makes it the largest and most complex recall process in auto history. Takata, once the leading supplier of airbags, filed for bankruptcy in 2017 as a result of this scandal.
The specific issue with the PSDI-5 inflator is its susceptibility to rupture after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. Investigations conducted by both Takata and independent laboratories have confirmed this vulnerability, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety and customer satisfaction should always be a priority for automakers, so it is essential that BMW takes swift action to address this issue promptly. Vehicle owners should pay close attention to recall notices from BMW and take their vehicles to authorized service centers as soon as possible to have the faulty airbag inflators replaced. By doing so, they can ensure their safety and the safety of their passengers on the road.
In conclusion, the recall of over 394,000 BMW vehicles in the United States due to faulty airbag inflators highlights the ongoing issues associated with Takata airbags. This recall emphasizes the importance of proactive measures by automakers to ensure customer safety, especially when it comes to critical components like airbags.