BMW to recall 1.36 million cars in China over faulty airbags

German automaker BMW is set to recall 1.36 million vehicles in China due to potential risks associated with faulty Takata airbags, according to China’s State Administration for Market Regulation.

The recall, which takes immediate effect, involves both locally produced and imported cars. Specifically, BMW Brilliance Automotive, the company’s joint venture in China, will recall 598,496 domestically manufactured vehicles. Meanwhile, BMW China Automobile Trading will pull back 759,448 imported cars.

These recalls cover models produced between 2003 and 2017. Affected vehicles may have been fitted with defective Takata airbags, which have been linked to serious safety concerns globally. BMW has assured customers that any vehicles confirmed to have defects will receive a free replacement of the driver’s front airbag.

In a similar move, BMW recalled 394,000 cars in the United States last month due to the same airbag issues. The U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration warned that faulty airbag inflators could lead to severe or even fatal injuries.

While BMW China has yet to comment on the matter, the company is expected to address the safety concerns swiftly to protect its reputation in the world’s largest automotive market.

Read more on BMW recalls 394,000 cars in the US over faulty airbags