Electrical System. Review the 128 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 105 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Engine. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

11 crash reports28 fire reports9 injury reports

Air Bags complaints

105 reports

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Mileage unknown · Sep 3, 2024

Air Bags

passenger restraint malfunction warning light has been on. It is a common problem with many BMW's and they did not issue a recall prior to 2009 models. The repair is quite costly and it seems to be a computer error that is not actually an issue at all

NHTSA ODI #11612362

Mileage unknown · May 15, 2024

Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats

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Front Seat Passenger Side Seatbelt warning indicator activates when no person is in passenger seat. Airbag warning light illuminates even when there is a passenger in the seat. I see numerous complaints about the same/similar issues in your data base, but seemingly no resolution or recall. My car is a convertible. I note from other complaints on your website that a related recall was initiated for my year make model but it did not apply to convertible version of this model. That is irresponsible and unacceptable.

NHTSA ODI #11588925

85,000 miles · May 18, 2022

Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling

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The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated that the passenger restraint system message had appeared on the instrument panel indicating an air bag failure. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The manufacturer had been notified of the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ODI #11465176

188,000 miles · Dec 6, 2021

Air Bags

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The contact owns a 2007 BMW 328i. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the air bag sensor warning light illuminated, whether a passenger was seated in the seat or not. The contact stated that the air bag warning light remained illuminated even without a passenger seated in the seat. The contact was unable to reach the local dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V564000 (Air Bags) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.

NHTSA ODI #11442923

Mileage unknown · Sep 30, 2021

Air Bags

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I have been trying since 2016 to get Vista BMW in Broward County Florida to replace or remove the DEFECTICE AND DANGEROUS Takata airbags in my car, and I have the paperwork to prove that this was never done. Reeves BMW in Tampa, Florida, said that Vista BMW falsely reported that the airbags were replaced with non-Takata bags and refused to install the correct ones with desiccant. I have proof that shows that the airbags were never available at that time and the Vista BMW service manager himself told me that all he could do was replace it with another defective stock airbag until the replacements were available. After waiting two years without hearing from Vista or any BMW representative, and eventually moving to Tampa in 2018, I went to the BMW dealer here, Reeves, who stated that Vista had falsely reported that the "interim" airbag had been replaced and they refused to install the replacements. So now I keep the car unused in the garage, too scared to drive this bomb that can blow up at any time, and I cannot afford to junk a car that took me five years to pay off. Why has NHTSA not prosecuted BMW and not enforce this? How can I get BMW to replace the airbags with the correct ones with dessicant? PLEASE HELP, AT WITS END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NHTSA ODI #11434951

Mileage unknown · Sep 28, 2021

Air Bags

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I have been trying since 2016 to get Vista BMW in Broward County Florida to replace or remove the Takata airbags in my car, and I have the paperwork to prove that this was never done. Reeves BMW in Tampa, Florida, said that Vista BMW falsely reported that the airbags were replaced with non-Takata bags and refused to install the correct ones with desiccant. I have proof that shows that the airbags were never available at that time and the Vista BMW service manager himself told me that all he could do was replace it with another defective airbag until the replacements were available. After waiting two years without hearing from Vista or any BMW representative, and eventually moving to Tampa in 2018, I went to the BMW dealer here, Reeves, who stated that Vista had falsely reported that the "interim" airbag had been replaced and they refused to install the replacements. As I am the only driver and owner of the car, I know that no one else could have taken the car from my garage in the dead of night and replaced any airbag and returned the car without my knowledge. So now I keep the car unused in the garage, too scared to drive this bomb that can blow up at any time, and I cannot afford to junk a car that took me five years to pay off. BMW either owes me a replacement SAFE airbag or a replacement car that has a safe airbag in it. I will gladly join any legal action to expose these criminals and hope you can do something for me before I die. The documents attached clearly show that the airbag was never replaced with a proper desiccant or drying agent.

NHTSA ODI #11434733

Mileage unknown · Jul 12, 2021

Air Bags

Air bag light malfunction passenger side

NHTSA ODI #11424334

Mileage unknown · Jul 1, 2021

Air BagsEngineFuel/propulsion System

Bmw of Murietta will not honor the recalls

NHTSA ODI #11423040

111,000 miles · Sep 10, 2020

Air Bags

AIR BAG LIGHTS ON

NHTSA ODI #11354091

92,234 miles · Jan 15, 2020

Air Bags

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MY VEHICLES PASSENGER AIRBAG IS DEACTIVATED AND MY PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AS WELL AS THE RED AIRBAG MALFUNCTION LIGHT STAY ON NO MATTER WHAT EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT AND WHETHER THE CAR IS MOBILE OR STATIONARY, I WAS TOLD IT'S DUE TO THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR THAT HAS DETERIORATED OVER TIME ,I ALSO HAVE READ THAT RECALLS WERE MADE FOR THE ISSUE BUT NOT FOR THE COUPE FOR SOME REASON ,WHICH I DONT GET MY CAR HAS THE STANDARD SEATS IN IT AND IS MADE WITH THE SAME EXACT PART THAT WAS RECALLED ON OTHER MODELS WHY IS MY CAR EXCLUDED WHEN THE SEDAN AND WAGON OF THE SAME YEAR WERE INCLUDED?

NHTSA ODI #11299442

Official recalls

24V513000 · Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jul 3, 2024

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Air Bags:frontal

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.

20V017000 · Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Jan 15, 2020

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V683000 · Engine And Engine Cooling:exhaust System:emission Control:crankcase (pcv)

Oct 30, 2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2011 128i and 2007-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 525i, 525xi, 528i, 528xi, 530i, 530xi, X3 3.0si, X3 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive30i, Z4 3.0i, Z4 3.0si and Z4 sDrive30i vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notification by the end of October 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

17V676000 · Electrical System:wiring

Oct 25, 2017

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

13V564000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Nov 12, 2013

BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

13V044000 · Electrical System; Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Feb 7, 2013

BMW is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 1-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured December 2007 through September 2011; and 2007-2011 3-Series coupes and convertibles manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sedans manufactured March 2007 through October 2011; 2007-2011 3-Series sports wagons manufactured March 2007 through June 2011; and 2009-2011 Z4 vehicles manufactured March 2009 through June 2011. In February 2013, BMW recalled 504,545 vehicles. In July 2013, BMW informed the agency that it was adding 1-Series, 3-Series, and Z4 vehicles, representing an additional 12,094 vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 516,791. The connector for the positive battery cable connector and the corresponding terminal on the fuse box may degrade over time. Over time, the high current flow and heat from electrical resistance may lead to a breakage of the connection, and a loss of electrical power to the vehicle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the positive battery cable connector and secure it with an improved method, free of charge. The recall began on March 13, 2013. Owners may call BMW at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Electrical System

Consequence: If there is a loss of electrical power to the vehicle, the vehicle may unexpectedly stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.