BMW issues ‘do not drive’ order for old, Takata airbag-equipped models in US

BMW’s United States arm has issued a “do not drive” order for old automobiles built from 2000 to 2006 that are equipped with Takata airbags.

Per BMW, approximately 90,000 vehicles including 3 Series, 5 Series, and X5 models equipped with certain driver’s front airbag inflators manufactured by Takata have already been included in several recalls related to the automotive parts brand.

However, despite intense customer outreach efforts by BMW since 2016, the abovementioned cars remain unrepaired. And as the airbag inflators age further, the risk of serious injury or death — should a crash or collision occur when driving these vehicles — increases.

BMW explained that to reemphasize the seriousness of the situation, the brand has escalated the recall to a “do not drive” order.

Therefore, owners of affected BMWs that have not had their vehicles inspected and repaired should not consider them safe to drive.

“We cannot state strongly enough just how urgent it is for our customers to take this warning seriously. We know these airbags only become more dangerous over time, which is why we are taking yet another step to get these parts out of our vehicles. Customers must park these vehicles immediately and take a few moments to check if their vehicle is safe for them and their family members to drive,” said BMW North America After Sales Vice President Claus Eberhart was quoted saying.

The carmaker pointed out that the airbags of the said automobiles were built using a propellant that breaks down after long-term exposure to temperature fluctuations and humidity, which is why these old cars pose a serious hazard to their owners.

“If the vehicle is involved in a crash and the driver’s airbag deploys, the metal airbag inflator can rupture, sending razor-sharp shrapnel towards the occupants. As these unrepaired vehicles continue to age, the chemicals will continue to degrade, increasing the odds of a disastrous rupture,” BMW wrote in a press statement.

BMW also said that it sees no restrictions in preventing its customers from having the airbag in their vehicle replaced immediately as the parts for the airbags are readily available and the repair will cost them nothing.

The automaker, in some cases, can even send a technician to wherever the vehicle is located to have the repair done.

If a remote repair cannot be done, BMW said the vehicle can be picked up at the customer’s home or office free of charge, repaired, and returned when the service is complete.

“Repairing these vehicles is quick, easy to arrange, and is completely free of charge,” added Eberhart.

Photos from BMW North America

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