BMW Takata airbag recall: Urgent warning issued for thousands of cars over 'killer' mechanical problem

More than 60,000 BMW cars have been recalled after a very serious fault was found in their 'killer' airbags, while there is also a recall of Kia De Niros.

Several recent models have steering wheels with a faulty Takata airbag inflator, a warning from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport said.

The driver's airbag could rupture when deployed in an accident, potentially launching gas and metal shrapnel at the driver causing serious injury or death.

Faulty Takata airbag inflators have already been linked to more than 30 deaths and 300 injuries around the world. 

Takata airbag inflators have been the subject of some of the biggest recalls in car history, with the company filing for bankruptcy in 2017.

In the latest shocking incident, 63,118 cars have been recalled.

The recall is for BMWs built between 2004 and 2017, with the notice saying 'some vehicles may have been converted after production with steering wheel variants containing a faulty Takata inflator'.

The models recalled are BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, X1 and certain X3 models, along with F series models made between 2009 and 2017.

BMW owners can use an online tool, to check if their car is affected.

After than, they can find out if their car needs to be checked by a BMW dealer.

If a faulty airbag inflator is found in the vehicle, the airbag and centre horn pad will be replaced free of charge.

As well as the BMWs, 1,366 Kia De Niro calls have also been issued a recall notice.

Manufacturing defects may have led to moisture getting into a part of the Hydraulic Clutch Actuator, which could cause an electrical short circuit and fire.

Owners can book an inspection with their Kia dealer to have the issue replaced free of charge.