DETROIT (AP) ― BMW is expanding a recall of its most popular models to fix an air bag problem that is hitting much of the global auto industry.

The German automaker says it will recall 1.6 million 3-Series cars from model years 2000 to 2006 across the world, including 574,000 in the U.S.

The company on Wednesday said that it’s a precaution because other automakers using similar systems have reported problems, but it has no reports of problems in its vehicles.

Air bag inflators in systems made by Takata Corp. can rupture, and BMW will replace the passenger-side front air bags.

If that happens, the bags might not work properly, and shards could fly out and cause injury.

The problem is responsible for millions of recalled vehicles during the past few years made by manufacturers such as Chrysler, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Nissan and Toyota.

The recalls have mostly been of vehicles in states with hot and humid weather.

The new recall excludes 42,000 BMWs recalled in May 2013 for the same problem.

In June, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began investigating air bags made by Takata, a Tokyo-based supplier of seat belts, air bags, steering wheels and other auto parts.

The agency said it received six reports of air bags rupturing in Florida and Puerto Rico, with three people suffering injuries.

It had estimated 1.1 million vehicles in the U.S. could be affected, but the total is likely to climb.

The government says it wanted to act quickly in warm states while it continues to investigate the issue.