May 5, 2023- BMW has issued a “do not drive” warning to the owners of about 90,000 older models in the U.S. because of defective airbags that might explode in a crash.
The affected vehicles are the 2000-2006 model years that have been recalled before due to known issues with Takata-manufactured airbag inflators. however, BMW has decided to escalate previous recall notices to a “Do Not Drive” order due to the affected vehicles not being brought in for repairs.
Takata, The company responsible for the airbag inflators, used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate the airbags in the event of a crash. However, the chemical can deteriorate over time when exposed to heat and humidity and eventually blow apart a metal canister it is contained in, hurling metal pieces that can severely injure or even kill driver or passengers.
These repairs are free for the affected BMW models.
Since 2009, the exploding airbags made by Takata have killed at least 33 people worldwide, 24 of which was in the United States. Most of the deaths and about 400 injuries have happened in U.S., but they also have occurred in Australia and Malaysia.
BMW stated that remote technicians can be sent to wherever the vehicle is located and repairs can be completed on site, typically in under an hour. If remote repair is not available for a customer with an affected vehicle, BMW will have the car picked up at the customer’s home or office free of charge, repaired and returned when the service is complete.
Owners of the affected vehicals may contact BMW here: BMW Recall’s or by calling BMW customer relations (866)-835-8615
