Recall Alert: 200,000 BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X3

Today, NHTSA announced that BMW is recalling 200,000 cars and SUVs due to a faulty airbag that may not deploy during a crash. The models affected include 2006 3 Series, 2004-06 5 Series and 2004-06 X3 SUVs.

The problem isn’t in the airbag itself but in the sensors that detect whether there’s a person in the front passenger seat. When working properly, the sensor will disengage the passenger airbag if there’s no one sitting in the seat. However, this defect can cause the sensor to think no one is in the seat when they really are, which could lead to injury.

BMW says no one has been injured due to the problem, and that the warning light that signals when the airbag is disengaged will flash on and off if the sensor isn’t working properly.

Concerned owners should check with their dealer to determine if their car is included in the recall and bring it in for service.