BMW Recalls Nearly 2,000 SUV Models in the US Over Knee Airbag Issue

BMW has issued a recall for a total of 1,981 SUV models in the United States due to a knee airbag issue that could potentially increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. The recall affects various BMW models, including the X5, X6, X7, and the new XM SUV.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notified BMW about the potential issue on June 23 after a test anomaly revealed that the knee airbag was not deploying correctly. Following this alert, BMW conducted an engineering review and discovered that a knee airbag had its fabric clamped, indicating a possible incorrect installation.

Upon further investigation, BMW determined that faulty parts may have been produced at a single supplier station by a specific machine operator over a short period of time at the supplier’s Mexican facility. As a result, the recall has been initiated to address this manufacturing defect.

The affected vehicles include the BMW X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 M60i, and X5 M models built between May 23, 2023, and June 27, 2023. Additionally, the recall impacts BMW X5 xDrive50e hybrids produced from May 23, 2023, to June 27, 2023, BMW X6 xDrive40i, X6 M60i, and X6 M models manufactured during the same period, and BMW X7 xDrive40i, X7 M60i, and Alpina XB7 models built from May 23, 2023, to June 27, 2023. Furthermore, nine BMW XM models produced from May 23, 2023, to May 24, 2023, are also included in the recall.

BMW has already begun notifying dealerships about the recall, starting from July 10. Owners of the affected vehicles will receive a notification through first-class mail, which is expected to be delivered by September 1. The owners will be instructed to take their vehicles to a BMW dealership, where the knee airbag for the driver and/or passenger will be replaced free of charge.

It is crucial for owners to respond promptly to the recall notice and schedule an appointment with their local BMW dealership. The replacement of the faulty knee airbag is essential to ensure the safety of both the driver and passengers in the event of a crash.

BMW takes customer safety seriously and is committed to addressing any potential issues promptly and efficiently. By initiating this recall, BMW aims to rectify the manufacturing defect and provide peace of mind to its customers.

If you own one of the affected BMW SUV models, it is important to stay informed about the recall process and follow the instructions provided by BMW. Regularly checking for updates on the NHTSA website or contacting your local BMW dealership can help you stay up-to-date with any developments regarding the recall.

In conclusion, BMW is recalling nearly 2,000 SUV models in the United States due to a knee airbag issue that could pose a risk of injury in the event of a crash. The affected vehicles include various BMW models, and owners will be notified through first-class mail about the recall. It is crucial for owners to respond promptly and have their vehicles inspected and repaired at a BMW dealership to ensure their safety on the road. BMW remains committed to customer safety and is taking proactive measures to address this manufacturing defect.