BMW is set to recall a staggering 1.4 million vehicles in China due to concerns over defective airbags, according to an announcement from the country’s market regulator on Friday, as reported by AFP. This recall pertains to cars that have undergone steering wheel modifications and may contain faulty airbags supplied by Japan’s Takata Corporation.
These airbags pose a potential risk to the safety of vehicle occupants, as highlighted by the State Administration for Market Regulation. The recall targets vehicles manufactured between 2013 and 2017, affecting both domestically produced and imported models. Specifically, approximately 600,000 cars made within China and an additional 760,000 imported vehicles will be subjected to the recall.
BMW has committed to replacing the front airbags in the affected vehicles free of charge, provided that defects are confirmed, as reported by AFP. This latest recall is part of a broader issue that has plagued the automotive industry since 2014, with millions of vehicles equipped with Takata airbags being recalled globally. The defective airbags, which have been linked to several fatalities and injuries, eventually led to Takata Corporation’s bankruptcy in 2017.
Notably, Ford also recalled three million vehicles with Takata airbags in 2021 due to similar safety concerns. Earlier this year, in July, BMW issued a recall for approximately 400,000 vehicles in the United States for the same airbag issue. This underscores the widespread impact of the defective airbags across various markets.
China, being the world’s largest automotive market, has seen significant developments in the industry. In the previous month, for the first time, electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids accounted for more than half of the country’s car sales. This milestone highlights the intense competition within the segment, particularly among local brands, as noted by AFP.
BMW (Bayerische Motoren Werke AG) is a leading German luxury automobile and motorcycle manufacturer, renowned for its innovative engineering, performance, and design. Founded in 1916, BMW produces a wide range of premium vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and electric cars. The brand is globally recognized for its commitment to quality, driving pleasure, and cutting-edge technology.
