BMW is recalling 1.6 million 3-series cars globally to replace passenger-side front airbags because the inflators could break apart during deployment and injure passengers.
The defect already has caused automakers including Toyota and Nissan to repair millions of vehicles.
The recall affects 3-series vehicles produced between May 1999 and August 2006.
A statement from BMW's headquarters in Munich said the company is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue in its cars. It said the call back 'is an extension of last year's recall of 240,000 cars globally for the same issue'. "As a precaution, we just feel now that the right thing to do is just to bring them all in and replace the passenger-side air bag," the spokesman said.
Other brands affected by the faulty inflaters include Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Ford and Chrysler.
