Comprehensive Report on BMW's Massive Airbag Recall in the US

German automaker BMW is recalling more than 390,000 vehicles in the United States due to a potentially dangerous issue with their airbag inflators. The recall, which was announced by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), affects specific BMW 3 Series models manufactured between 2006 and 2012.

The faulty airbag inflators in question were produced by the Japanese automotive parts company Takata Corporation. These inflators, known as the PSDI-5 model, have been found to be susceptible to rupturing after prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity. When the inflator ruptures, it can cause sharp metal fragments to be propelled towards the driver and other occupants of the vehicle, potentially leading to injury or even death.

The issue with the Takata airbag inflators has become one of the largest and most complex recall processes in automotive history. Over the past decade, more than 100 million vehicles fitted with these faulty inflators have been recalled worldwide. The problem has been linked to more than 30 deaths, including at least 26 in the United States, as well as hundreds of injuries.

The BMW recall specifically includes certain 3 Series Sedan and Sportswagon models from the 2006 to 2012 model years. These vehicles may have had their original steering wheel replaced by owners with a sport or M-sport steering wheel that contained a PSDI-5 inflator, even though it was not officially approved by BMW as a replacement part.

In a statement, the NHTSA warned that "an explosion of the inflator could cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other car occupants, potentially leading to injury or death." BMW has not reported any incidents of deaths or injuries related to this issue in the United States.

Owners of the affected BMW vehicles will be notified by mail on August 23rd and will be able to have the driver-side airbag module replaced free of charge at their local BMW dealership. Customers with questions can contact BMW's customer service at (800) 525-7417.

The Takata airbag scandal has had a significant impact on the automotive industry, leading to the largest recall in history and the eventual bankruptcy of the once-dominant airbag supplier. This latest recall by BMW serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address this critical safety issue and ensure the well-being of drivers and passengers.