Thousands of BMWs contain dangerous airbags that can explode and shoot out deadly pieces of metal shrapnel.
Need a Texas BMW Airbag Injury Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you were injured or a loved one died when a BMW airbag exploded, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
Safety Officials Issue Warning for ARC Airbag Explosions in BMWs
In addition to Takata airbags, thousands of BMWs are on the road with dangerous airbag inflators that were manufactured by ARC Automotive and Delphi Automotive between 2000 and January 2018.
Just like the Takata airbag fiasco, millions of airbag inflators made by ARC and Delphi can also explode (even after minor crashes) and shoot out deadly pieces of metal shrapnel. At least 2 deaths and 7 injuries have been reported since 2009.
Airbag inflators made by ARC and Delphi were installed in about 52 million vehicles, including BMWs and vehicles from 11 other auto-makers.
2017 BMW X5 Air Bag Recall
In March 2017, BMW recalled certain X5 vehicles with ARC airbag inflators that could potentially explode. The airbag inflators “may not vent properly in the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag.”
According to the recall:
“If the inflator cannot vent properly, the inflator may rupture, resulting in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants and causing serious injury or death.”
The recall includes certain 2017 X5 sDrive35i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 xDrive35d, and X5 xDrive40e vehicles.
BMW Warns ‘Do Not Drive’ 90,000 Vehicles With Dangerous Airbags
In May 2023, BMW issued a ‘Do Not Drive’ order for 90,000 vehicles from model-years 2000-2006 because the airbags are so dangerous.
These older BMWs from 2000-2006 were previously recalled to replace faulty Takata airbags (along with many newer BMWs) but so few were repaired that BMW decided to upgrade the warning to a “Do Not Drive” order.
The most dangerous BMW vehicles include:
- 2000-2006 BMW 3 Series (E46) including M3
- 2000-2003 5 Series (E39) including M5
- 2000-2004 X5 (E53)
What is the Problem?
The issue is that the airbag inflators can explode all at once and blow apart a metal canister, shooting out jagged metal shrapnel toward the driver or passenger’s head, neck or chest.
What is the Risk?
These horrific airbag injuries often resemble gunshots or stab wounds. Even more terrifying, the airbags can explode after minor collisions, fender-benders, or just bumping a curb, which can result in a life-threatening injury or death after an accident that should have been survivable.
NHTSA Warns of 50% Risk of Takata Airbags Failing in BMWs
BMW’s warning was also announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which called the risk “dire” because the airbags have an “extremely high probability of failure” in a crash. According to Ann Carlson, Acting Administrator of the NHTSA:
“These inflators are two decades old now, and they pose a 50% chance of rupturing in even a minor crash. Don’t gamble with your life or the life of someone you love – schedule your free repair today before it’s too late.”
How Many People Have Died?
Since 2009, at least 33 deaths and more than 400 injuries have been linked to Takata airbags worldwide, with most of the victims located in parts of the U.S. with hot and humid climates.
Takata declared bankruptcy in 2017, after recalling more than 67 million airbag inflators that were sold to 19 different auto-makers worldwide, including BMW. More than 11 million faulty airbags have not been repaired. Tragically, these preventable incidents continue to occur routinely.
Texas is a “High-Risk” State for Airbag Injuries
Texas is a state in “Zone A,” which means vehicles in Texas with Takata airbags are given top priority for repair because the airbag can become unsafe in just 6 to 9 years.
The problem is that ammonium nitrate in the recalled airbags can break down and become more dangerous over time. Airbags that were installed in older vehicles located in hot, humid regions are most likely to fail.
- States in Zone A are given top priority for airbag replacement because unsafe propellant degradation may occur between 6 – 9 years. Zone A includes: California, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida.
Vehicles & Years on BMW Airbag Recall
BMW has recalled thousands of vehicles from the 2000-2015 model-years that were built with Takata airbag inflators, including:
- 2008-2013 1 Series
- 2000-2013 3 Series
- 2000-2003 5 Series
- 2013-2015 X1
- 2007-2010 X3
- 2000-2004 X5
- 2007-2013 X5
- 2008-2014 X6
What Should I Do?
Owners are being advised to park immediately and contact BMW to schedule a free repair, which will include free towing to a dealership or a mobile service appointment to replace the defective airbags.
For more information, visit the BMW Takata Airbag Safety Recall website at https://www.bmwusa.com/safety-and-emission-recalls/takata-airbag.html.
Need a BMW Airbag Injury Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years of experience, participation in over 600 jury trials, and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our law firm for a free case review.
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