2012-2013 BMW X3, M6: Recall Alert

CARS.COM

Vehicles Affected: Approximately 6,800 model-year 2012-13 BMW X3 xDrive 28i and xDrive35i SUVs, and M6 convertibles, and model-year 2013 M6 coupes

The Problem: The driver’s frontal airbag inflator may have been improperly welded. This could lead to the inflator housing separating from the base plate in a crash necessitating deployment of the airbag, which may result in metal striking the vehicle occupants, potentially causing serious injury or death.

A notice to BMW from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that the affected airbags were manufactured by Japan’s Takata Corp., and although the defect poses a similar danger to that of the massive ongoing recall involving Takata-maufactured airbag inflators in cars in high-humidity areas, this latest issue is not related to that action.

“Takata believes that a manufacturing error occurred whereby the inflator housing may have been incorrectly welded,” NHTSA said in a statement.

The Fix: Dealers will replace the driver’s frontal airbag module for free.

What Owners Should Do: BMW will begin notifying owners Oct. 9. Owners can call the automaker at 800-525-7417, NHTSA’s vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov to check their vehicle identification number and learn more.

Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer.

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