One of the world’s top premium car brands, BMW is well known for its commitment to quality, performance, and safety. As a BMW owner, you’re probably well aware that the company goes to great lengths to ensure your drive is smooth, reliable, and safe. However, even a stellar company like BMW can run into occasional problems.
This was recently demonstrated by the June 2023 recall of over 90,000 BMW vehicles, due to a serious safety issue regarding the vehicles’ airbags. The recall resulted in a “Do Not Drive” Order, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. Here’s what you need to know.
Behind the Recall: What You Need to Know
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) called this airbag recall “the largest and most complex safety recall in U.S. history.” It affects 19 different automakers and 34 vehicle brands, all of which had defective Takata airbags installed primarily in model years ranging from 2002 to 2015. The ranges of BMWs are included in the recall include:
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
- 2000-2003 5 Series (E39) including M5
- 2000-2004 X5s (E53)
The defect can cause the airbags to explode when deployed after long-term exposure to high heat and humidity. When an explosion occurs, metal fragments could be projected toward drivers and passengers, causing serious injuries or even death. Since the airbags are deteriorating over time, those in older vehicles may pose an even greater risk.
Defective Takata airbags have already been linked to at least 24 deaths and over 400 injuries in the United States alone. Incidents have also occurred in Malaysia and Australia.
According to the NHTSA, the recalled Takata airbags have an extremely high probability of failure during a crash. This extreme danger has led BMW to issue a ‘Do Not Drive’ warning to owners of the affected vehicles. If you own an affected vehicle, you’re strongly advised not to drive it until repairs have been completed.
In a public statement, Claus Eberhart, Vice President of Aftersales BMW NA, urged customers to take the warning seriously, saying:
“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. Repairing these vehicles is quick, easy to arrange, and is completely free of charge.”
Impacted by the Recall? Find Out Now
If you own a BMW vehicle from the affected model years, it’s important to verify whether your vehicle is part of the recall. To do this, you need your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which is typically printed on a sticker inside your driver’s side door jamb.
Once you’ve found your VIN, you can check your BMW’s recall status by visiting:
- BMWUSA.com/recall
- NHSTA.gov/recalls
- Or by calling BMW Recall Services at (866)-835-8615.
If you find out your vehicle is part of the recall, the next step is to find a repair shop you trust. Replacement parts are available at dealerships and independent repair shops across the country and BMW covers the full cost of the repair. The automaker has also offered to provide free towing or mobile repair options, if necessary. Since all repairs related to this recall are entirely free of cost, there’s no reason to delay.
BMW has noted that although they’ve been working on recalling these vehicles since 2016, there are still many BMWs on the roads that have not responded to the recall.
We know that dealing with a recall can feel like a hassle. However, it’s important to remember that continuing to drive an affected vehicle can create a risk not only to you and your passengers but also to others on the road. Even if your BMW hasn’t shown any signs of malfunction, you’re strongly advised to take care of this recall right away.
How The HAUS Can Help
At The HAUS, we understand that dealing with recalls can be stressful, particularly for owners of older vehicles that are no longer under factory warranty. That’s why we’re committed to assisting you throughout the process. We can confirm your recall status, answer any questions you have, and help schedule your recall repair.
If your BMW is affected by the airbag recall, or if you’re concerned about any other safety issues, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Staying informed and proactive is key to maintaining the safety of your vehicle. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule your VIP appointment.