BEIJING — BMW was recalling more than 1.3 million vehicles in China that might have Takata airbag inflators following a similar recall in the United States last month, officials said Friday.
The recall covers nearly 600,000 vehicles made in China between 2005 and 2017 and more than 750,000 imported vehicles made between 2003 and 2018, the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation said.
It includes a wide range of models, from series 1 to series 6 cars and the X1, X3, X4, X5 and X6 SUVs.
A small number of vehicles in the recall may have Takata inflators if the owner changed the steering wheel, the Chinese regulatory body said. The inflator can explode when the airbag deploys, sending fragments into the car and injuring the occupants, it said.
Takata airbag inflators have been blamed for the deaths of at least 35 people since 2009 in the United States, Malaysia and Australia.
U.S. regulators said last month that BMW would recall more than 390,000 vehicles because the original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with a Takata inflator.
Ford and Mazda warned the owners of more than 475,000 vehicles in the U.S. earlier this week not to drive them because they have Takata airbag inflators. The vehicles were built between 2003 and 2015.
Stellantis, following a fatal explosion in the U.S. last year, urged the owners of some 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to stop driving them if their air bag inflators had not been replaced.
The Chinese regulator said that BMW owners can visit a dealer to have their steering wheel checked or upload a photo of their steering wheel and their vehicle identification number to get an answer in two weeks. BMW will replace the driver’s side airbag free of charge in affected vehicles.
BMW has issued a recall for 1.3 million vehicles in China due to a potential defect in the Takata airbag inflators. The recall affects a wide range of BMW models, including sedans, SUVs, and sports cars.
The Takata airbag inflator defect has been a major concern in the automotive industry for several years. The defect can cause the airbag inflators to rupture during deployment, sending shrapnel flying into the vehicle’s cabin. This poses a serious safety risk to both drivers and passengers.
In response to the potential defect, BMW has announced that it will replace the faulty Takata airbag inflators in the affected vehicles free of charge. The company is urging all owners of the affected vehicles to contact their local BMW dealership to schedule an appointment for the necessary repairs.
This recall is part of a larger global effort to address the Takata airbag inflator defect, which has affected millions of vehicles from various manufacturers around the world. The defect has been linked to numerous injuries and deaths, prompting automakers to take swift action to protect their customers.
In addition to the recall in China, BMW has also issued recalls for vehicles in other countries, including the United States and Europe. The company is working closely with regulators and safety officials to ensure that all affected vehicles are repaired as quickly as possible.
Owners of BMW vehicles are encouraged to check if their vehicle is included in the recall by visiting the company’s website or contacting their local dealership. It is important for all affected vehicles to be repaired promptly to ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
In conclusion, BMW’s recall of 1.3 million vehicles in China due to a potential Takata airbag inflator defect highlights the importance of addressing safety issues in the automotive industry. The company’s swift response to the defect demonstrates its commitment to protecting its customers and ensuring their safety on the road.
