The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is warning owners of approximately 90,000 older model BMW vehicles in the United States not to drive them due to the risk of airbag explosions or malfunctions in the event of a crash.
These faulty airbags have been linked to severe injuries and fatalities, making immediate action crucial.
Table Of Contents
- Key Points:
- Update: NHTSA Demands Recall on 52 Million Defective Airbag Inflators
- What’s the Problem?
- Which Vehicles Are Involved in the BMW Airbag Recall?
- BMW Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning Over Recalled Takata Airbags: GMA News Video
- FAQs:
- Get a Free BMW Airbag Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Key Points:
- Affected Vehicles: 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series, 2000-2003 BMW 5 Series, 2000-2004 BMW X5
- Risk: Airbags may explode, ejecting metal fragments
- Incidents: Over 400 reported injuries and multiple fatalities
- Legal Action: Potential compensation available for victims
- Free Consultation: Get a no-cost case review to determine eligibility
Update: NHTSA Demands Recall on 52 Million Defective Airbag Inflators
On September 5, 2023, the NHTSA announced that 52 million airbag inflators manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive should be recalled due to their potential to rupture and eject dangerous metal fragments into vehicles’ cabins (Reuters).
These defective inflators were installed in vehicles from model years 2000 through 2018, impacting multiple automakers, including BMW, General Motors, Ford, Stellantis, Tesla, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen.
“Air bag inflators that rupture when deployed are plainly defective, as they both fail to protect vehicle occupants and pose an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death,” NHTSA stated.
What’s the Problem?
The recall impacts BMW vehicles from model years 2000-2006, which were previously recalled for defective Takata airbag inflators. Takata used volatile ammonium nitrate to inflate airbags during a crash, but over time, this chemical degrades, causing the airbag’s metal canister to explode, sending deadly shrapnel into the vehicle’s cabin.
- Incidents: Dozens of deaths and over 400 injuries in the U.S. alone.
- Conditions: Hot and humid climates accelerate the breakdown process, increasing the risk of airbag failure.
- NHTSA Recommendation: Park the vehicle immediately and contact a BMW dealership for free repairs.
Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update
Which Vehicles Are Involved in the BMW Airbag Recall?
BMW models affected by this recall include:
Model Year Range | Model Name |
---|---|
2000-2006 | BMW 3 Series |
2000-2003 | BMW 5 Series |
2000-2004 | BMW X5 |
All have driver’s front airbag inflators made by Takata. You can check to see if your BMW is affected by an airbag recall by clicking this link.
For comprehensive and up-to-date information regarding the latest BMW recalls and lawsuits, we invite you to explore Schmidt & Clark’s website.
Takata Airbag Recall Information
This recall is part of the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history, affecting 19 different automakers and 67 million airbags.
- Years Impacted: 2002-2015
- Unrepaired Vehicles: 11 million as of 2022
Related Article: Malfunctioned Airbags Recall Lawsuit Update
BMW Issues ‘Do Not Drive’ Warning Over Recalled Takata Airbags: GMA News Video
How Different Areas Are Affected
Airbag failure risk is linked to temperature, humidity, and vehicle age. The U.S. has been divided into priority zones based on environmental conditions:
Priority | States Affected | Risk Timeline |
Zone A | CA, TX, LA, MS, AL, GA, SC, FL | 6-9 years |
Zone B | NV, AZ, NM, NE, KS, OK, MO, AR, IL, IN, OH, KY, TN, VA, WV, NC, PA | 10-15 years |
Zone C | AK, WA, OR, ID, MT, WY, UT, CO, ND, SD, MN, IA, WI, MI, NY, CT, VT, MA, RI, NH, ME | 15-20 years |
NHTSA’s Urgent Recommendation
NHTSA urges affected BMW owners to stop driving immediately and contact their local dealership. Repairs, mobile repair services, and towing are available for free.
“These vehicles are 17 to 22 years old, and the risk to vehicle occupants is dire,” NHTSA stated. “These are some of the oldest recalled Takata airbags and have an extremely high probability of failure.”
Previous BMW Airbag Recalls
BMW has issued multiple recalls due to defective Takata airbags, including:
- 2008-2013 BMW 1 Series
- 2000-2013 BMW 3 Series
- 2001-2003 BMW 5 Series
- 2013-2015 BMW X1
- 2007-2010 BMW X3
- 2001-2003, 2007-2013 BMW X5
- 2008-2014 BMW X6
- 2010-2011 BMW X6 Hybrid
Takata Airbag Recall Failures
Millions of affected vehicles remain unrepaired, with key issues including:
- Delays in recall announcements
- Automakers failing to reach affected owners
- Shortages of replacement parts
In 2018, the NHTSA warned BMW and 11 other automakers that they had failed to meet deadlines for replacing faulty airbags. The agency has since urged manufacturers to proactively locate at-risk owners.
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FAQs:
What Is the BMW Airbag Recall Lawsuit About?
The BMW airbag recall lawsuit is about the claims that certain BMW vehicles were equipped with defective airbags manufactured by Takata. The defects have led to malfunctions during accidents, causing severe injuries or fatalities. The lawsuit seeks to hold BMW accountable for the harm caused by these faulty airbags.
Which BMWs Are Being Recalled for Airbags?
BMWs that are being recalled for airbags include certain 3 Series four-door sedans from 2006 through 2011 and 3 Series Sportswagon vehicles from 2009 to 2011.
How Long Does a Lawsuit Take?
Legal timelines vary, but claims involving defective products typically take months to years, depending on case complexity and settlement negotiations.
What Are the Potential Risks Associated With Defective Takata Airbags?
The potential risks associated with defective Takata airbags are that they can deploy explosively, causing metal fragments to spray into the vehicle’s cabin. This malfunction can lead to severe injuries, including lacerations, eye damage, and even death. The airbags’ defect has been linked to numerous serious accidents and fatalities.
What Compensation Can Victims Receive?
Victims may receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain, suffering, and wrongful death claims related to defective BMW airbags.
Get a Free BMW Airbag Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
The Products Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in BMW Airbag Recall Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one was injured by an exploding BMW airbag, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.