BMW Recalls, Stops Sale Of Some New Sedans Because Airbags Should Deploy In A Crash

Image courtesy of Norm

BMW is no stranger to airbag issues as one of more than a dozen carmakers dealing with the massive Takata airbag defect. Now, though, the company is working to resolved a different airbag issue by recalling more than 6,000 sedans and issuing a stop sale on the vehicles, which contain safety devices that may not deploy when needed. 

The carmaker announced that it would recall 6,110 sedans and directed dealers to immediately stop selling model year 2016 740Li, 750Li, and 750Lxi vehicles equipped with an airbag control module that was not produced to correct specifications.

According to a notice [PDF] posted with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the airbag module could contain metallic stamping particle residue and possibly cause a short circuit.

The short circuit could cause the airbag module to briefly become inoperative. If this occurs, the airbag may not deploy in the event of a crash.

BMW says it became aware of the issue, which is believed to be the result of a supplier manufacturing process error, in December 2015 when it was reported by parts maker Continental AG.

A review of field information suggested there had been several warranty claims made about the issue. However, the company says it has not received any reports of injuries or fatalities related to the issue.

BMW will notify owners of affected vehicles of the recall and dealers will replace the airbag control module.

It’s unclear how long the stop-sale of the vehicles will last, but BMW reminded dealers that it is a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act to sell, lease, or deliver the vehicles until the recall has been fixed.

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