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

BMW is recalling nearly 400,000 cars in the US due to faulty airbag inflators that could potentially explode, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration  said on Wednesday.

Separately, Stellantis, the parent company of Fiat, has announced that a further 300,000 vehicles are being recalled due to airbag failure. 

An explosion of the inflator can result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other car occupants, potentially leading to injury or death, said the NHTSA.

In addition, a faulty inflator can also only partially inflate the airbag. 

The recall affects certain sedans and sportswagon vehicles. The sedans in question are cars that had their original steering wheels replaced with an M-sport wheel. 

According to a notification, car dealers will replace the air bags free of charge.