German car manufacturer BMW announced on Friday (August 16) that they are recalling 1.36 million domestically produced and imported vehicles in China due to safety concerns with Takata airbags. Last month, a similar recall was conducted by the company in the United States.
The recall affects nearly 600,000 cars produced in China between 2005 and 2017, and over 750,000 imported vehicles manufactured between 2003 and 2018.
A wide range of models are included in the recall, from 1 Series to 6 Series sedans, as well as X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6 SUVs.
The vehicles involved in the recall may have Takata airbag inflators installed. If the owner has replaced the original steering wheel, the inflator could explode when the airbag deploys, sending sharp fragments into the vehicle and potentially injuring occupants.
Chinese regulatory authorities state that BMW owners can go to dealerships to have their steering wheel inspected or upload photos of the steering wheel and vehicle identification number for a response within two weeks. BMW will replace the driver’s side airbag for affected vehicles free of charge.
Earlier this week, Ford and Mazda urged over 475,000 car owners not to drive vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, which were manufactured between 2003 and 2015.
Stellantis urged owners of certain 2003 Dodge Ram pickup trucks, whose airbag inflators have not been replaced, to immediately stop driving and wait for repairs.
Last month, BMW recalled more than 390,000 vehicles in the United States, including some BMW 3 Series sedans and Sportswagon models produced from 2006 to 2012. These vehicles may have Takata PSDI-5 inflators in their steering wheels.
A press release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Tuesday, August 13, confirmed that 27 people have died in the United States due to Takata airbag explosions. Additionally, reports indicate that at least 400 people have been injured in the United States as a result of Takata airbag explosions.
Takata Corporation of Japan was once the world’s largest manufacturer of automotive safety airbags. Due to product defects leading to massive global recalls, the company filed for bankruptcy protection in Japan and the United States in June 2017.
(Note: This article referenced relevant reports from the Associated Press)