BMW recalls over 390,000 vehicles for airbag inflator issue

In a recent development, BMW of North America has issued a recall for over 390,000 vehicles in the United States due to concerns over airbag inflators that have the potential to explode, posing a serious risk of injury or even death. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) highlighted that certain vehicles may have had their original steering wheels replaced with sport or M-sport steering wheels equipped with Takata inflators, which could lead to sharp metal fragments striking occupants in case of an explosion. Despite no reported accidents or injuries related to this issue in the U.S., the recall affects specific models from 2006 to 2011, including 3 Series Sedans and Sportswagons. The recall, encompassing 394,029 vehicles, involves models such as the 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 3 Series Sedan (335d) from 2009 to 2011. BMW dealers will conduct inspections and replace the driver's airbag module as necessary at no cost to the owners. Notification letters are scheduled to be sent out on August 23, with affected vehicle owners advised to contact BMW customer service or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline for further assistance. In a related development, Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat, has also announced a recall of 300,000 vehicles due to airbag failure issues, adding to the concerns in the automotive industry. The faulty airbag inflators, particularly those manufactured by Takata Corporation, have led to a series of recalls across various car brands, resulting in fatalities and injuries. The NHTSA emphasizes the risks associated with prolonged exposure to heat and humidity on Takata airbag inflators, which can deploy explosively, posing a significant threat to vehicle occupants. As safety remains a top priority, authorities are closely monitoring and addressing these concerns to ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers on the road.