BMW Australia has issued a safety recall for 2947 units of the BMW 3 Series manufactured between 2010 and 2012 due to the installation of potentially dangerous Takata airbag inflators. These vehicles, though built between March 18, 2010, and May 24, 2012, may have been sold to customers after these production dates. The recall is part of a broader nationwide campaign targeting millions of vehicles equipped with faulty Takata airbags, a global issue that has affected numerous automotive brands.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the vehicles in question were fitted with Takata PSDI-5 driver-side airbags as part of a special edition package. This package included a sports steering wheel, which came with the airbag system now under scrutiny. The affected models fall under the E9x chassis designation of the BMW 3 Series. The primary concern is that the chemical propellant used in these airbags can deteriorate over time, particularly in environments with high humidity and temperature fluctuations. When this degradation occurs, it may cause the airbag inflator housing to rupture or explode if the airbag deploys in an accident. This failure can lead to the projection of metal shrapnel into the cabin, particularly toward the driver, posing a serious risk of injury or even death.
While Australia has recorded one fatality and three serious injuries due to defective Takata airbags since the nationwide recall began in 2018, the current batch of affected 2010–2012 BMW 3 Series vehicles has not been directly linked to any of those incidents. Nonetheless, BMW Australia is taking proactive steps to prevent any possible harm. The company strongly urges all owners of the impacted vehicles not to drive them under any circumstances until the issue has been resolved. To assist owners, BMW recommends checking the manufacturing date of their vehicle, which can be found on the driver's side door frame—specifically, on the B-pillar.
For those who suspect their vehicle may be affected, BMW Australia has set up a dedicated Takata Recall Hotline that can be reached at 1800 243 675. The hotline operates from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. AEST, Monday through Friday. Owners are also advised to contact their nearest authorized BMW dealership to arrange an inspection and, if necessary, have the airbag replaced at no cost. The company emphasizes that driver safety is a top priority and urges prompt action to mitigate any potential risk from the faulty airbag inflators.