BMW Canada is recalling 104,151 vehicles to replace driver’s side airbag inflators that were made by Takata. Affected models include the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1, X3, X5, and X6 from 2005 to 2014, depending on model.
These faulty inflators can produce excessive internal pressure during airbag deployment. A rupture is possible, allowing fragments to be propelled toward vehicle occupants.
Over 50 million vehicles – across multiple manufacturers – have been recalled globally due to faulty Takata airbag inflators, and nearly a dozen deaths have been caused (none involving a BMW Group product).
Takata may soon be forced to announce a recall on 300 additional vehicles and pay as much as $24 billion to cover the cost of repairs.