BMW is recalling 394,000 older vehicles equipped with faulty airbags that can rupture and send metal fragments towards the driver. This recall is part of a larger issue with Takata airbags that has been ongoing for over a decade. The affected vehicles include certain BMW 3 Series Sedans and Sportswagons from the model years 2006 to 2011.
The concern with the recalled vehicles is that some may have been modified by owners to include sport or M-sport steering wheels, which also contain Takata airbags. This raises fears about the safety of these vehicles as the inflaters in older airbags can rupture due to excessive internal pressure, causing the airbags to explode. Despite this recall, millions of vehicles still have Takata airbags installed, posing a significant safety risk on the roads.
BMW has not received any reports of accidents or injuries related to the steering wheel issue in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, with millions of vehicles still equipped with Takata airbags, safety advocates are concerned about the potential for tragic incidents as these airbags age and become more prone to rupturing. Addressing this issue remains a critical concern for the automotive industry as vehicles with faulty airbags continue to pose a danger on the roads.
