As vehicles age, it’s crucial to stay informed about any potential faults that could compromise your well-being. Regularly checking for safety updates and recalls can prevent accidents and save lives, ensuring peace of mind whenever you get behind the wheel.
Recently, a major recall has been issued across Australia concerning faulty airbags that pose a serious risk to drivers and passengers.
BMW has issued an urgent recall for specific models fitted with Takata PSDI-5 airbags, which have been found to pose a deadly threat.
The issue? These airbags can explode with such force that they send sharp metal fragments flying through the cabin, potentially causing serious injury or even death to anyone inside the vehicle.
The recall affects BMW E9x series vehicles built between 18 March 2010 and 24 May 2012, specifically those with a special edition sports steering wheel upgrade.
The culprit is the airbag inflator, a component designed to rapidly inflate the airbag in a crash. Unfortunately, the inflator can degrade in these affected vehicles over time, especially in Australia’s hot and humid climate.
As the airbag ages, the propellant inside can become unstable. If the airbag is triggered—either in a collision or due to a fault—the inflator may rupture, causing the metal housing to explode.
The result? Shrapnel-like fragments can be blasted into the car’s interior, with tragic consequences. There have already been reports of serious injuries and fatalities linked to this defect worldwide.
How do I know if my BMW is affected?
It’s easy to check. Open your driver’s door and look for the manufacturing date on the ‘B pillar’—the vertical section between the front and rear doors.
You’ll find a European-type approval label with the date your car was built. Don’t take any chances if your BMW falls within the affected dates.
BMW and safety authorities’ advice is crystal clear—do not drive your vehicle under any circumstances if it’s affected by this recall.
Instead, contact your nearest authorised BMW dealer immediately. They’ll arrange for your car to be towed—free of charge—to the workshop for a replacement airbag. The repair and towing are complimentary, so there’s no reason to delay.
When booking your repair, you’ll need your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) or registration number handy. If unsure, you can find more information and check your vehicle’s status on the official BMW recall website.
This isn’t the first time Takata airbags have made the news. The global Takata airbag scandal has affected millions of vehicles across dozens of brands, leading to one of the largest automotive recalls in history.
The risk increases as the airbags age, especially in Australia’s climate, where heat and humidity accelerate the breakdown of the inflator’s chemicals.
Even if you haven’t noticed any problems with your airbag, the danger is real and unpredictable. It’s not worth the risk to you or your loved ones.
While this recall specifically targets specific BMW models, Takata airbags have been used in various vehicles from other manufacturers, including Toyota, Honda, Mazda, and Nissan.
If you own a car from the early 2000s to mid-2010s, it’s worth checking the Product Safety Australia website or your manufacturer’s recall page to see if your vehicle is affected.
We’d love to hear from you. Have you had to deal with a recall in the past? Did you find the process straightforward, or were there unexpected challenges? Share your experiences in the comments below—your story could help others stay safe on the road.
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I have already had my Airbag Replaced in an earlier recall, which was Manufacturer Bag Specific but across multiple Car Manufacturers, so do I have to contact BMW to see if the “updated/new” airbag is one that needs replacing ???
It wouldn’t hurt to check, Gordon! At the very least it would give you peace of mind.