BMW Recalls Vehicles Nationwide Due to Faulty Takata Airbag Inflators

BMW drivers need to know about a big recall that's impacting hundreds of thousands of vehicles, many in Washington state.

394,000 VEHICLES ARE BEING RECALLED BY THE COMPANY

The car manufacture is recalling 394,000 vehicles throughout the United States because of faulty Takata-made airbag inflators that BMW officials say could open in a crash, possibly hitting people with pieces of sharp metal. Do you drive a BMW? The recall applies to these models:

2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi),
2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi)
2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d)

SO WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Documents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration say the original steering wheel on the affected BMW cars "may have been replaced by owners with a sport or M-sport steering wheel with PSDI-5 inflators using ammonium nitrate that over time could lead to "overly aggressive combustion."

IF THE AIRBAG RUPTURES IT COULD THROW METAL FRAGMENTS INTO YOUR VEHICLE

In a recall report BMW officials say in the event of an inflator rupture metal fragments could go through the airbag and hit passengers and drivers.
So time to get in touch with your BMW dealer to schedule an appointment. All dealers are fully aware of the recall. The dealers have a big job to replace the driver-side airbag for free.

RECALL LETTERS WON'T GO OUT UNTIL NEXT MONTH

If you're reading this you're lucky cause you know of the problems before thousands of other drivers that's because owners won't see a notification letter until they're mailed out on August 23. If you have questions and concerns you can contact BMW directly at (800) 525-7417. BMW's number for the recall is "24V513."

GOOD NEWS NO INJURIES OR DEATHS HAVE BEEN REPORTED

There is some good news. BMW hasn't received any reports of injuries or deaths in the United States because of the faulty airbags.
Safety officials say those who live in areas with warm weather need to be concerned because prolonged exposure to heat can cause the airbags to rupture when they're deployed possibly spreading the metal fragments.
Owners may also contact NHTSA's safety hotline at (888) 327-4236 (toll-free at 1-800-424-9153) or go to www.nhtsa.gov for further information.