BMW is initiating a recall in China of over 1.3 million vehicles due to potential issues with Takata airbag inflators. This follows a similar recall in the United States the previous month. Nearly 600,000 vehicles manufactured in China between 2005 and 2017, along with more than 750,000 imported vehicles produced from 2003 to 2018, are included in the recall, according to the Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation. The affected models range from series 1 to series 6 cars, as well as the X1, X3, X4, X5, and X6 SUVs.

A portion of the recalled vehicles may contain Takata inflators if the steering wheel has been changed by the owner. The inflator poses a risk of exploding upon airbag deployment, potentially causing harm to the vehicle’s occupants. The Chinese regulatory body highlighted that Takata airbag inflators have been linked to at least 35 fatalities in the United States, Malaysia, and Australia since 2009.

In the U.S., BMW announced a recall of more than 390,000 vehicles last month due to concerns that the original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with a Takata inflator. Ford and Mazda also recently cautioned owners of over 475,000 vehicles in the U.S. not to drive their cars because of similar airbag inflator issues. These affected vehicles were manufactured between 2003 and 2015.

In response to a deadly explosion in the U.S. last year, Stellantis advised owners of select 2003 Dodge Ram pickups to refrain from driving them if their airbag inflators hadn’t been replaced. The Chinese regulator stated that BMW owners could have their steering wheel inspected at a dealership or submit a photo of their steering wheel and vehicle identification number for a response within two weeks. BMW will replace the driver’s side airbag at no cost for impacted vehicles.