BMW Takata Airbag Recall, BMW Do Not Drive Order, BMW Recall Airbag, BMW Do Not Drive Warning, BMW Recall
BMW has warned owners of the nearly 90,000 older cars in the United state not to drive them because the Takata Air Bag could explode at any time in a crash.
This warning applies to 2000 to 2015 model vehicles that were previously recalled to replace defective and dangerous airbag inflators made by Takata.
Why BMW Takata Air Bag Recall?
Takata company used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags in the crash.
But this chemical can degrade when exposed to heat and moisture and explode the metal canister, throwing shrapnel that can injure or even kill drivers and passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says drivers should park their vehicles and contact BMW for more information.
Repairs will be available free of charge to owners, with mobile repairs and free towing also provided.
These vehicles are 17 to 22 years old, and the risk to vehicle occupants is dire. These are some of the oldest Takata airbags under recall and have an extremely high probability of failure during a crash.
If the inflators rupture, the metal fragments ejected toward the driver’s face could kill or leave them with devastating, life-altering injuries.
NHTSA says that if the inflators detach, metal fragments can be thrown toward the driver's face and kill them or cause "devastating, life-changing injuries."
Which BMW Models Are Affected?
BMW Said, "Vehicles from 19 different automakers were recalled to replace driver and passenger airbags made by auto parts supplier Takata that may explode and cause serious injury or death.
Certain BMW models from 2000—2015 may be affected.
If your vehicle is affected by this recall, we encourage you to take immediate action to have your FREE repair completed at your local BMW dealership.
BMW is committed to addressing the needs and concerns of our customers affected by this industrywide issue."
According to BMW, the models are:
- 1 Series (2008 - 2013)
- 3 Series (2000 - 2013)
- 5 Series (2000 - 2003)
- X1 (2013 - 2015)
- X3 (2007 - 2010)
- X5 (2000 - 2004), (2007 - 2013)
- X6 (2008 - 2014)
How to Contact BMW Owner If Their Vehicles Are Affected
Owners of these model series can check to see if their vehicle is affected by visiting BMW's official website or by calling BMW Customer Relations at (866) 835-8615.
As of 2009, exploding airbags made by Takata have killed at least 33 people worldwide, including 24 in the United States alone.
Conclusion
Also in 2015, over 32 million cars were recalled for the first time in US history due to faulty airbag inflators manufactured by Takata, but the number grew to 67 million the following year.
But enough of the recalled cars haven't had their airbags replaced yet, that BMW issued a "do not drive" warning to nearly 90,000 owners on Thursday, asking them to park their vehicles if they can't be fixed.