BMW recalls 6,073 units of i3 and Minis to replace airbag

BMW is replacing the passenger’s side front airbag module on 6,073 vehicles in the US because of a supplier’s manufacturing issue with the part. The affected models include the: 2014-2015 i3; 2014-2016 Mini Hardtop 2 Door Cooper and Cooper S; 2015-2016 Hardtop 2 Door John Cooper Works; and 2015-2016 Hardtop 4 Door Cooper and Cooper S.

Because the airbag components aren’t made correctly, they might not deploy with enough restraint in a low-speed collision. BMW isn’t aware of any accidents or injuries from the problem, but this is still obviously a safety concern. According to company spokesperson David Buchko to Autoblog, customers will be notified about the issue by mail in November. As always, dealers will perform the replacements at no cost to owners.

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RECALL Subject : Passenger Frontal Air Bag May not Deploy Properly
Report Receipt Date: OCT 07, 2015
NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V628000
Component(s): AIR BAGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 6,073
All Products Associated with this Recall
Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)
BMW I3 2014-2015
MINI COOPER 2014-2016
MINI COOPER S 2014-2016
MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS 2015-2016

Details

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC

SUMMARY:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper two-door vehicles, 2015-2016 MINI John Cooper Works and MINI Cooper S and MINI Cooper four-door vehicles and 2014-2015 BMW i3 vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the passenger frontal air bag may not deploy properly in a low speed crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, “Occupant Crash Protection.”

CONSEQUENCE:
In the event of a vehicle crash, an air bag that does not deploy properly increases the risk of injury to the front seat passenger.

REMEDY:
MINI and BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on November 20, 2015. Owners may contact MINI customer service at 1-866-825-1525 and BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

NOTES:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

BMW Statement:

BMW has informed NHTSA of its intention to voluntarily recall approximately 923 BMW i3 vehicles to replace the passenger-side front airbag module.

Due to a supplier error in the manufacturing process, internal components of the air bag inflator were not assembled as specified. In a low speed crash in which the passenger-side front air bag deploys, inappropriate air bag restraint may be provided to the passenger, increasing the risk of injury.

Owners and lessees of affected vehicles will be notified via First Class mail. The passenger-side front air bag module will be replaced free of charge.

The company is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.

Customers with questions should contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Mini Statement

MINI USA has informed NHTSA that the company will conduct a voluntary non-compliance recall to replace the passenger-side front airbag module on certain Model Year 2014 – 2016 MINI Cooper, Cooper S and John Cooper Works 2 Door and 4 Door Hardtop models.

Due to a supplier error, internal components of the air bag inflator were not assembled as specified. In a low speed crash (out-of-position/low risk deployment) in which the passenger-side front air bag deploys, inappropriate air bag restraint may be provided to the passenger, increasing the risk of injury.

MINI owners and lessees of affected vehicles will be notified of this recall via First Class mail in November. The passenger-side front air bag module will be replaced free of charge.

The company is unaware of any accidents or injuries related to this issue.
Customers with questions should contact MINI USA Customer Relations at 866-ASK-MINI (866-275-6464).

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