— Following what other automakers have done after demands from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, BMW is recalling 140,000 model year 2004-2006 BMW 3 Series cars to replace airbag inflators.
BMW had previously ordered airbag recalls because Takata-brand airbags have been injuring and killing people. Those Takata airbags have metal inflators that can explode when the airbags deploy in a crash.
The previous BMW airbag recalls were ordered in regions with high absolute humidity based on the theory moisture can cause the metal inflators to rupture. However, the newest recall of 140,000 cars will be expanded to cover the country.
BMW says the 140,000 model year 2004-2006 BMW 3 Series cars will have the driver's side airbag inflators replaced, even though no airbag incidents have been reported in BMW cars. However, those same inflators have been used in non-BMW cars and the driver's side airbags have exploded, including in cars outside high humidity regions.
BMW hasn't said when the recall will begin, but owners of the 2004-2006 BMW 3 Series should watch for mailed notification.
Read about other BMW airbag recalls from 2014, or file your own complaint here.