BMW and Fiat recall more than 700,000 cars over faulty air bags that could explode

BMW is recalling nearly 400,000 vehicles in the U.S. because of defective airbags that could potentially explode, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Wednesday.

In addition, Stellantis, Fiat’s parent company, has announced that another 300,000 vehicles will be recalled due to defective airbags.

According to the NHTSA, an explosion from the inflator could cause sharp metal fragments to strike the driver or other occupants of the car, resulting in injury or death.

In addition, a defective inflation mechanism may only partially inflate the airbag.

The recall affects certain sedans and sports wagon vehicles. The sedans in question are vehicles where the original steering wheel has been replaced with an M sports steering wheel.

According to a report, car dealers will replace the airbags for free.