BMW advised owners of 90,000 older US vehicles not to drive them owing to the rising danger of airbag explosions in crashes. The notice covers Takata airbag inflator-recalled vehicles from 2000 to 2006.
In a crash, Takata inflated airbags with ammonium nitrate. However, heat and humidity can weaken the chemical, causing the metal canister to explode and hurl shrapnel that might kill or harm drivers and passengers.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) advises affected vehicle owners to park them and contact BMW for further information. The government added that these vehicles include some of the oldest Takata airbags under recall, which have a high failure rate in accidents.
BMW tows and fixes for free. BMW’s website or customer service can notify recalled car owners.
Since 2009, Takata airbags have killed 33 people worldwide, 24 of them in the US. Australia and Malaysia also reported deaths.
The greatest US vehicle recall was caused by a dangerous fault. Takata recalled 67 million inflators. The US government says many are remain unrepaired. Takata Corporation of Japan declared bankruptcy after recalling 100 million inflators globally. NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson advised owners to arrange their free repair promptly to prevent risking their lives or that of their loved ones.