NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Seats complaints
12 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Jan 16, 2026
Air BagsSeats
The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Detector). This indicates a hardware failure of the OC3 internal seat sensor mat. Safety Risk: The failure of this sensor prevents…
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The vehicle’s "Passenger Airbag Off" light and dashboard SRS warning lamp are illuminated. A diagnostic scan using a BMW-specific tool confirms manufacturer Fault Code 93C3 (Passenger Seat Occupancy Detector). This indicates a hardware failure of the OC3 internal seat sensor mat. Safety Risk: The failure of this sensor prevents the vehicle from correctly identifying if an adult is in the passenger seat. This compromises the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) and may result in the passenger airbag failing to deploy during a collision, posing a significant risk of injury or death to the occupant. Confirmation of Problem: The fault was confirmed via a digital diagnostic system (Foxwell NT510) which identified the specific "Open Circuit" within the seat mat. The component is currently installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Connection to Existing Recalls: This failure is identical in symptoms and fault code to those described in NHTSA Safety Recall 17V-428. Although this vehicle is the same year and model (2008 BMW 3-Series) as those covered in the recall, the VIN was excluded from the initial recall range. This appears to be a recall omission of a known manufacturing defect, as the failure occurred despite minimal use of the passenger seat.
NHTSA ODI #11711445
70,000 miles · May 11, 2020
Air BagsSeats
WHEN FRONT PASSENGER IS SEATED, LIGHT INDICATES PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAGS ARE TURNED OFF! EVEN WITH ADULTS SEATED. MAINTENANCE STATED LIKELY SEAT SENSOR FAULTY. FRUSTRATED TO SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT WAS REPAIRED FOR ONLY ONE YEAR OF THE 3 YEARS AFFECTED. HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST DIE FIRST? HAPPENS STOPPE…
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WHEN FRONT PASSENGER IS SEATED, LIGHT INDICATES PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAGS ARE TURNED OFF! EVEN WITH ADULTS SEATED. MAINTENANCE STATED LIKELY SEAT SENSOR FAULTY. FRUSTRATED TO SEE THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT WAS REPAIRED FOR ONLY ONE YEAR OF THE 3 YEARS AFFECTED. HOW MANY PEOPLE MUST DIE FIRST? HAPPENS STOPPED AND IN MOTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11324210
100,000 miles · Dec 25, 2019
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED A WARNING WILL POP UP FOR 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION' CAUSED BY THE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WARNING WILL STAY ON AND NOT GO AWAY. A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR SIMILAR YEAR MODELS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BUT IT DIDN'T COVER ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES DUE TO SIMI…
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AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS STARTED A WARNING WILL POP UP FOR 'PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION' CAUSED BY THE SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR FAILING ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT. THE WARNING WILL STAY ON AND NOT GO AWAY. A PREVIOUS RECALL FOR SIMILAR YEAR MODELS HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED BUT IT DIDN'T COVER ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES DUE TO SIMILAR SENSORS BEING USED ACROSS ALL THESE YEAR MODELS. BMW WANTS TO CHARGE 1000+ DOLLARS FOR THIS SENSOR REPAIR DUE TO THEM SAYING THIS IS AN 'UNAFFECTED VEHICLE'. WITHOUT THIS SENSOR WORKING PROPERLY, IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG COULD NOT DEPLOY WHICH CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. BMW REFUSES TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS WITHOUT A RECALL ANNOUNCED, OR WITHOUT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BEING SPENT JUST FOR THE SAFETY OF MY PASSENGERS.
NHTSA ODI #11291193
100,000 miles · Aug 13, 2019
Air BagsSeats
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IN MY DASHBOARD IS CONSTANTLY ON. THE CAR THINKS THAT A SMALL CHILD IS SITTING ON THE SEAT AND DISENGAGES THE AIRBAG. SO NOW THE AIRBAG IS IS COMPLETELY DISENGAGED EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND SAID IT'S NOT PART …
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THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IN MY DASHBOARD IS CONSTANTLY ON. THE CAR THINKS THAT A SMALL CHILD IS SITTING ON THE SEAT AND DISENGAGES THE AIRBAG. SO NOW THE AIRBAG IS IS COMPLETELY DISENGAGED EVEN WHEN SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I'VE TAKEN MY VEHICLE TO BMW DEALERSHIP AND THEY CHECKED MY VIN AND SAID IT'S NOT PART OF THE RECALL AND WANT TO CHARGE ME $2000 FOR THE REPAIR. I BELIEVE MY SEAT SENSOR IS THE SAME ONE THAT IS BEING RECALLED BUT NOT ENOUGH OWNERS WITH THE SAME VEHICLE HAVE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH NHTSA. THE TWO RECALLS THAT THE NHTSA HAS RECALLED ARE 17V-428 AND 17V-605. WHY ARE THOSE MODELS THE ONLY ONE BEING RECALLED WHEN THERE'S DEFINITE MALFUNCTION WITH THE OC3 AIRBAG SEAT SENSOR? MY CAR IS THE E93 MODEL WHICH IS THE CONVERTIBLE MODEL, I BELIEVE THAT BECAUSE THIS MODEL WAS PRODUCED LESS THAN THE 4 DOOR SEDAN AND THAT MOST PPL WITH CONVERTIBLES DON'T HAVE A PASSENGER SITTING IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. I HAVE A DAUGHTER THAT SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT EVERYDAY AND I BELIEVE THAT IS WHY IT MALFUNCTIONED. MY CAR IS A 2008 E93 328I. I BELIEVE THE SAME AIRBAG PASSENGER MAT SEAT SENSOR IS THE SAME ONE BMW HAS RECALLED FOR THEIR 2006 AND 2007 E90 AND E91 MODELS AS WELL AS THE 2006-2010 X3 MODELS THAT ARE BEING RECALLED. PLEASE INCLUDE THE 2008 E93 MODELS AS THESE ARE THE SAME AIRBAG SENSORS THAT NEED TO BE RECALLED.
NHTSA ODI #11243478
104,100 miles · Oct 16, 2018
Air BagsSeats
USE OF THE RIGHT FRONT (RF) PASSENGER SEAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AFTER A NUMBER OF IGNITION CYCLES IF THERE WAS NO RF PASSENGER, BUT WOULD REAPPEAR AFTER A PASSENGER USED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER ON 10/12/18 AND THEY FOUND THAT THE "OC3 …
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USE OF THE RIGHT FRONT (RF) PASSENGER SEAT WOULD CAUSE AN AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT. THE LIGHTS WOULD GO OUT AFTER A NUMBER OF IGNITION CYCLES IF THERE WAS NO RF PASSENGER, BUT WOULD REAPPEAR AFTER A PASSENGER USED THE SEAT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BMW DEALER ON 10/12/18 AND THEY FOUND THAT THE "OC3 MAT" WAS FAULTY AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT IT BE REPLACED AND PROGRAMMED. THIS IS A SIMILAR ISSUE TO TWO OTHER BMW RECALLS (17V-428 AND 13V-564) RELATED TO THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT. THIS VEHICLE IS A 2008 BMW E90 3-SERIES WITH SPORT SEATS BUT IS NOT INCLUDED IN EITHER RECALL.
NHTSA ODI #11140570
128,000 miles · Oct 5, 2018
Electrical SystemSeatsFire
PASSENGER SIDE FRONT SEAT CAUGHT FIRE.
NHTSA ODI #11133434
76,000 miles · Sep 6, 2018
Air BagsSeats
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. BILL PEARCE MOTORS (11555 SOUTH VIRGINIA STREET, RENO, NEVADA 89511, (775) 826-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 BMW 328I. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. BILL PEARCE MOTORS (11555 SOUTH VIRGINIA STREET, RENO, NEVADA 89511, (775) 826-2100) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE SENSOR UNDER THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
NHTSA ODI #11127870
Mileage unknown · Jun 4, 2018
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION.
NHTSA ODI #11099820
70,000 miles · Oct 13, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
SEAT SENSOR MALFUNCTIONING SHOWING NO PASSENGER WHEN PASSENGER IS SEATED. THIS MAY PREVENT SEAT BELTS FROM FUNCTIONING AND AIR BAG DEPLOYING IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT AND INCREASING INJURIES
NHTSA ODI #11033190
12,000 miles · Aug 15, 2017
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT SENSOR BROKEN. PROBLEM STARTED, 5 YEARS AGO. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WELL DOCUMENTED PROBLEM AFFECTING MANY DIFFERENT BMW MODELS/YEARS. BMW WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SITUATION. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA ODI #11015296
Official recalls
5Jul 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
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: 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
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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: 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
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: 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
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: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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