BMW is expanding a recall of its most popular models to fix an air bag problem that is hitting much of the global auto industry. The German automaker says it will recall 1.6 million 3-Series cars from model years 2000 to 2006 across the world, including 574,000 in the U.S.
The company said Wednesday that it's a precaution because other automakers have reported problems with air bag inflators in systems made by Takata Corp., which can rupture in hot and humid weather. BMW said it has no reports of problems in its vehicles, and dealers will replace the passenger-side front air bags. The new recall excludes 42,000 BMWs recalled in May 2013 for the same problem. In June, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating air bags made by Takata, a Tokyo-based supplier of seat belts, air bags, steering wheels and other auto parts. The agency said it received six reports of air bags rupturing in Florida and Puerto Rico. Three people were injured in those cases.
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Honda, Mazda, Nissan Recall Vehicles Over Takata Airbags
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— The Associated Press