BMW recalls 230,000 vehicles over air bag concerns

DETROIT - BMW is recalling more than 230,000 cars and SUVs in the U.S. to replace potentially dangerous Takata air bag inflators.

The recall covers certain 3 series cars from 2000 to 2002, some 5 series cars from 2001 to 2002, and some X5 SUVs from 2001 to 2003.

The automaker says the vehicles may have had a driver’s air bag replaced with a Takata inflator after a crash or in a previous recall.

Takata inflators can explode with too much force and spew shrapnel into drivers and passengers. At least 16 deaths and more than 180 injuries have been blamed on the problem.

Dealers will replace the inflators if they’re made by Takata. The recall is expected to start on March 15.

Takata in January pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges for falsifying data about its defective air bags. The Japanese company will pay $1 billion in fines and restitution, including a $25 million criminal fine, $125 million to people injured by the devices and $850 million to automakers that purchased them.     

 A federal court has indicted three Takata workers on charges of concealing defects in the inflators from automakers who bought them.