Problem of Takata Airbags, BMW Releases 90,000 Cars

JAKARTA – BMW issued a “Do not drive” warning in the United States for vehicles manufactured in 2000 and 2006, which accounted for about 90,000 units.

The troubled BMW model was caused by a faulty Takata airbag. The affected models are the 3 Series E46 from 2000-2006, the 5 Series E39 from 2000-2003, and the X5 E53 from 2000-2004. This also includes the M3 and M5, reported by Motor1, Thursday, May 4.

For your information, the recall case involving airbags from Takata is the largest in US history, involving millions of vehicles from several makes and models in total.

This incident is not the first time for BMW. Previously, BMW had made a recall about airbags from Takata a decade ago. Since then, BMW began a comprehensive program for customers in 2016 and has covered about 87 percent of the affected vehicles.

Claus Eberhart, as Vice President of Aftersales for BMW North America, said that his association found that the airbags from Takata were not safe and that BMW took this finding seriously.

“We know these airbags become more dangerous over time, and that’s why we’re taking another step to remove these parts from our vehicles,” Eberhart said in a statement.

The failure of the airbag manufactured by Takata was caused by a defective airbag containing a damaged propellant after being exposed to temperature changes for a long time. Therefore, if an airbag inflator ruptures, it will send sharp pieces of metal flying towards the occupants.

By the end of 2022, there were 30 cases of deaths worldwide, 24 of which occurred in the United States caused by a defective airbag.

Customers who own an affected vehicle can have it repaired immediately at an official BMW repair shop without paying a penny.

BMW is not alone in making recalls caused by Takata airbags. In February, Honda recalled several 2001-2003 production models including the Acura. As of November 2022, Stellantis is recalling 276,000 vehicles including the Dodge Magnum, Charger, Challenger and Chrysler 300, manufactured from 2005 to 2010.

In Indonesia, Nissan recently decided to recall several models due to the failure of the air intake device that could injure the driver or even cause death.

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