BMW is recalling more than 230,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators. Thirteen automakers are among the latest recall for more than 652,000 vehicles in the U.S.
The BMW recall covers certain 3 series cars from 2000 to 2002, some 5 series cars from 2001 to 2002, and some X5 SUVs from 2001 to 2003.
Vehicles may have had a driver's air bag replaced with a Takata inflator after a crash or in a previous recall, according to BMW.
Takata inflators can explode with too much force and spew shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 16 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been blamed on the problem.
Dealers will replace the inflators if they're made by Takata. The recall is expected to start on March 15.
Other automakers with front passenger inflator recalls posted today are Audi, Nissan, Jaguar-Land Rover, Subaru, Daimler Vans, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Ferrari, Mercedes, Mazda, McLaren and Karma.
The recall is among the latest round covering 5.7 million vehicles involving 19 automakers in the U.S. In total, it’s the largest auto recall in U.S. history, affecting 69 million inflators and 42 million vehicles.
Owners can go to the National Highway Traffic Administration website to see if their models are involved.
There are currently 46 million recalled Takata air bag inflators in 29 million vehicles in the United States.
Under the Amended Consent Order issued to Takata in May 2016, automakers will be required to recall additional inflators over the next three years, ultimately affecting approximately 64 to 69 million inflators in 42 million total recalled vehicles.
Ultimately all frontal Takata inflators using non-desiccated phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) will be recalled. The full list of vehicles that are currently affected or will be affected by future Takata recalls is available here.