Luxury car manufacturer BMW recently announced that nearly a quarter of a million cars will be recalled all over the world after testing showed that airbags in certain models may be defective, and could potentially inflate without warning, Auto World News reports.
According to the media outlet, the recall affects models assembled in 2002 and 2003, including the 3-Series sedans, coupes, convertibles and station wagons. The airbags were manufactured by the same company that was recently responsible for a major recall of Japanese-made cars.
The company, Takata Corp., was reportedly responsible for the 3.4-million-vehicle-recall that affected cars made by Toyota, Nissan and Mazda. Takata is the second-largest airbag and seatbelt manufacturer in the world.
According to the news source, BMW stated that is has not received any reports of accidents that may have been caused by the defect, and that it has not even received a single complaint of an “improper deployment,” BMW spokesman Dave Buchko said.
The Associated Press reports BMW’s recall came alongside a smaller – but potentially more dangerous – recall involving GM vehicles. The company said 38,000 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, Buick LaCrosse and Buick regal vehicles may have a defective battery that could potentially start a fire in the car.
GM stated it has already received two reports of fires related to the battery problem.
Focusing on product testing before taking products to market can help companies avoid costly recalls.