NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
168 reports110,000 miles · Jun 11, 2012
EngineFuel/propulsion System
APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AFTER HAVING OUR BMW SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT OUR LOCAL DEALER, THE "CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER, AND UPON THEM LOOKING AT IT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRANKCASE VENT VALVE (OIL SEPARATOR), NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF $1,300. WE HAVE BEEN HAVIN…
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APPROXIMATELY 1 MONTH AFTER HAVING OUR BMW SERVICED FOR AN OIL CHANGE AT OUR LOCAL DEALER, THE "CHECK ENGINE OIL LEVEL" LIGHT ILLUMINATED. WE IMMEDIATELY CALLED THE DEALER, AND UPON THEM LOOKING AT IT, IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRANKCASE VENT VALVE (OIL SEPARATOR), NEEDS TO BE REPLACED, AT A COST OF $1,300. WE HAVE BEEN HAVING THIS LIGHT COME ON NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE PAST COUPLE OF YEARS, AND ALWAYS CALL THE DEALER WHEN IT DOES. EVERY TIME WE CALL, THEY EITHER TELL ME TO TOP THE OIL OFF MYSELF, OR WE BRING IT TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO TOP OFF. NOT ONCE DID SOMEONE MENTION THAT THIS ISSUE COULD BE A PROBLEM, AND THEY CONTINUED TO LET US DRIVE EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE COULD HAVE BEEN DAMAGED IN DOING SO. A VERY QUICK INTERNET SEARCH REVEALS THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHICLES, AND BMW'S IN GENERAL, AND I THINK THEY SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE AND THE PART SHOULD BE COVERED. I NOW HAVE TO GET THIS DONE IMMEDIATELY, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS BURNING SO MUCH OIL DAILY, AROUND A QUART PER 1,000 MILES. I AM REACHING OUT TO HELP GET A RECALL ON THIS ISSUE. IF THERE IS ANY OTHER INFORMATION I CAN PROVIDE, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10461250
58,000 miles · May 22, 2012
Air Bags
THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK IT INTO MY BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SENSOR MAT IN THE SEAT FAULTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.THEY ORIGINALLY SAID IT WAS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. LATER THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS MADE TOO LATE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTARY WARRANTY…
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THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON ALL THE TIME. I TOOK IT INTO MY BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE SENSOR MAT IN THE SEAT FAULTED AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED.THEY ORIGINALLY SAID IT WAS COVERED UNDER A WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR THIS SPECIFIC PROBLEM. LATER THEY SAID MY VEHICLE WAS MADE TOO LATE TO BE INCLUDED IN THE VOLUNTARY WARRANTY EXTENSION. IF THIS IS THE SAME PROBLEM THAT KEEPS OCCURRING IN BMWS AND OBVIOUSLY AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND IS THE SUBJECT OF A NHTSA INVESTIGATION, WHY IS MY VEHICLE NOT COVERED. IT WOULD APPEAR BMW DID NOT FIX ITS PROBLEMS WITH ITS PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM. WHY ISN'T THE NHTSA STILL INVESTIGATING THIS PROBLEM. *TT
NHTSA ODI #10459316
105,000 miles · Apr 30, 2012
Structure
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR BUT IT WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WAS BROKEN AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. WHILE PARKED, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO OPEN THE FRONT DRIVER'S DOOR FROM THE EXTERIOR BUT IT WOULD NOT OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE DOOR HANDLE WAS BROKEN AND WOULD HAVE TO BE REPLACED. AFTER THE REPAIR, THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AND THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.
NHTSA ODI #10456852
88,601 miles · Feb 29, 2012
Engine And Engine Cooling
WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A VERY COLD DAY (0 DEGREES) IN CHICAGO, WHITE SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE TRUCK TOTALLY STOPPED RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT WOULD NOT RESTART AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRANCKCASE BREATHER BOX/OIL SEPARATOR STOPPED WORKING CAUSING OIL TO SPEW EV…
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WHILE DRIVING MY TRUCK ON A VERY COLD DAY (0 DEGREES) IN CHICAGO, WHITE SMOKE BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE EXHAUST AND THE TRUCK TOTALLY STOPPED RUNNING IN THE MIDDLE OF HEAVY TRAFFIC. IT WOULD NOT RESTART AND IT HAD TO BE TOWED. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE CRANCKCASE BREATHER BOX/OIL SEPARATOR STOPPED WORKING CAUSING OIL TO SPEW EVERYWHERE WITHIN MY EXHAUST. THIS ALSO RUINED MY SPARK PLUGS. THIS IS A WELL DOCUMENTED DEFECT IN THE X5, AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL RELATED TO THIS. IT SEEMS TO OCCUR AS SOON AS THE MANUFACTURER OR EXTENDED WARRANTY EXPIRES AND IT IS RELATED TO COLD WEATHER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10449703
102,000 miles · Feb 7, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AN…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED APPROXIMATELY 2 MONTHS AGO. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
NHTSA ODI #10446964
60,750 miles · Jan 23, 2012
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE T…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG SENSOR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,750 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,890.
NHTSA ODI #10444958
75,000 miles · Dec 27, 2011
Air Bags
AIR BAG PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILURE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10441310
30,682 miles · Oct 15, 2011
Power Train
AFTER DRIVING FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD, INTERMITTENTLY THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SLIPS WITH BIG JOLT WHEN ACCELERATING FROM 5-10 MILES UPHILL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10430275
52,435 miles · Oct 11, 2011
Air Bags
TL-THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW X5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OFF WARNING LIGHT WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 52,435.
NHTSA ODI #10429414
88,000 miles · Jun 30, 2011
Electrical System
THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON MY BMW IS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHT TO NOT WORK, WHICH IS DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET TURNS UP THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN X5'S, AND I THINK BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THESE ASSEMBLIES, NOT THE CUSTOMER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND …
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THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY ON MY BMW IS DEFECTIVE, WHICH CAUSES THE BRAKE LIGHT TO NOT WORK, WHICH IS DANGEROUS WHEN DRIVING. A QUICK SEARCH ON THE INTERNET TURNS UP THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM IN X5'S, AND I THINK BMW SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING THESE ASSEMBLIES, NOT THE CUSTOMER. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL FOR A MATERIAL DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCTS.
NHTSA ODI #10411084
Official recalls
2Nov 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.
Nov 1, 2005
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION PARKING PAWL GUIDE PLATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE PARKING LOCK SYSTEM NOT TO ENGAGE, AFTER THE TRANSMISSION IS PLACED IN THE PARK ("P") POSITION. IF THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON AN INCLINE, AND THE PARKING BRAKE WAS NOT ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN A VEHICLE ROLLAWAY CONDITION.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPAIR AND REPLACE THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION GUIDE PLATE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 30, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-332-4269.
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
1EA08001 · BMW Airbag Light Illumination
Opened Jan 4, 2008 · Closed Dec 31, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Air Bags
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
BMW IS CONDUCTING A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN ON APPROXIMATELY 200,000 MY04 THROUGH MY06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05 TO CORRECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE RECALL AREMY04- 06/ 5-SERIES WITH STANDARD AND SPORT SEATS, MY04-06/ X3-SERIES AND MY06/ 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS. IN ADDITION, BMW WILL EXTEND THE WARRANTY COVERAGE OF THE PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT TO 10-YEAR/UNLIMITED MILEAGE ON APPROXIMATELY 120,000 REMAINING MY04-06 SUBJECT VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH 11/30/05. THE SPECIFIC VEHICLES INCLUDED IN THE EXTENDED WARRANTY ARE MY 06/ 6 SERIES, MY 06/ 3-SERIES WITH STANDARD SEATS, MY04-05/ Z4, MY04-06/ 7 SERIES, MY 06/ X5, AND MY04-06/ 5-SERIES WITH COMFORT SEATS.THE AVERAGE FREQUENCY OF FAILURES AMONG THE EXTENDED WARRANTY GROUPS WAS LESS THAN 1/7TH OF THE RECALL VEHICLE GROUPS.PLEASE SEE BMW'S 08V-384 RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR FURTHER DETAILSDEPENDING ON SEAT CONFIGURATION AND VEHICLE GEOMETRY, THE OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT CAN FATIGUE DURING USE DEPENDING ON THE MANNER AND FREQUENCY OF THE FRONT PASSENGER'S ENTRY AND EXIT.SPECIFICALLY, OVER TIME, MICRO-CRACKS COULD DEVELOP IN THE SIDE FLANKS OF THE MAT CAUSING A BROKEN CIRCUIT.A BROKENCIRCUIT CAN LEAD TO THE DEACTIVATION OF THE PASSENGER AIR BAG AND THE ILLUMINATION OF BOTH THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT.
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