Recall wrap: 63,000 BMW cars require Takata airbag replacement

BMW Australia has urgently recalled 47,536 vehicles across its ‘F series’ portfolio produced between 2009 and 2017 to remove a potentially lethal Takata airbag inflator.

Key models include the BMW 5 Series (2010-17), 1 Series (2011-19), 3 Series (2011-18), 4 Series (2013-20), X5 (2013-18) and X6 (2015-20).

According to the official notice published via the Vehicle Recalls database, the faulty airbag inflator could rupture and propel compressed gas and metal fragments through the airbag cushion towards the vehicle occupants.

“Some vehicles may have been converted after production with steering wheel variants containing a faulty Takata inflator,” the company said.

“As a result, the driver's airbag inflator may rupture in the event of airbag deployment.”

All potentially affected customers are being urged to check their vehicle’s inclusion via either the BMW recall portal or the VIN list document attached to the online notice before presenting their vehicle for a free inspection and subsequent airbag replacement, with a new steering wheel centre pad included.

An almost identical recall is in place for 15,582 BMW ‘E series’ models – covering the 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and X3 – produced between 2004 and 2014 with the same fault, risks and rectification measures in play.

Due to being a different series, a separate recall notice and VIN list has been published via the Vehicle Recalls database.

On a smaller scale, 1366 Kia Niro hybrids and plug-in hybrids produced between 2020 and 2022 have been recalled on grounds of a fire risk stemming from a potential short circuit.

Kia Australia says moisture may enter the printed circuit board in the hydraulic clutch actuator due to a manufacturing defect, possibly leading to a short circuit.

“A vehicle fire could increase the risk of injury or death to vehicle occupants, other road users and bystanders, and/or damage to property,” the company said in the recall notice.

Affected owners are being asked to contact an authorised service centre immediately to have the relevant components inspected and replaced if necessary – free of charge.

As usual, an affected VIN list can be found attached to the recall notice.

Concluding this recall wrap is a callback of 975 GWM Tank 300 Hybrid SUVs to replace a not-to-spec vehicle jack rod.

According to GWM Australia, “there is no safety hazard, and the defect will not affect the performance of the vehicle” however it “may not be compliant with the Australian Standard AS 2693-2007” since “the jack cannot be used for wheel removal”.

The rod will be replaced by GWM Australia service centres, however the company has asked any affected customers to contact its roadside assistance department for any punctures incurred between now and receiving the new component.

All 975 VINs can be found via the document attached to the recall notice.

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