NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
38 reportsClear category filter139,650 miles · Sep 12, 2015
Air BagsCrash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH AFTER GETTING OFF WORK AT 7:00PM. UPON LESS THAN HALF A MILE FROM MY EMPLOYMENT ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIFTED IN TO MY LANE CAUSING A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT MY 2007 BMW 335I WAS IMMEDIATELY PUSHED BACK IN TO MY KNEES AND THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WAS THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG. THE SEATBELT T…
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I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT 35 MPH AFTER GETTING OFF WORK AT 7:00PM. UPON LESS THAN HALF A MILE FROM MY EMPLOYMENT ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIFTED IN TO MY LANE CAUSING A HEAD ON COLLISION. UPON IMPACT MY 2007 BMW 335I WAS IMMEDIATELY PUSHED BACK IN TO MY KNEES AND THE ONLY AIRBAG TO DEPLOY WAS THE FRONT DRIVER AIRBAG. THE SEATBELT THAT I WAS WEARING ALSO DID NOT LOCK AND I SUSTAINED INJURIES TO MY HEAD FROM HITTING IT AGAINST THE WINDSHIELD. UPON THE VEHICLES COMING TO REST THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO BE OPENED BUT THE AIRBAG LOCATED ON THE DRIVER SEAT NEVER EVEN DEPLOYED. MY PASSENGER SEAT WAS SHATTERED FROM THE CRASH AND BROKE IN TO SEVERAL PIECES, BUT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AFTER SPEAKING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT AND RESEARCHING RECALLS ON THE 2007 BMW 335I. THERE WERE SEVERAL RECALLS FOR THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG AND I HAVE NEVER RECEIVED ANY NOTIFICATION FROM BMW ON ANY RECALLS CONCERNING THE AIRBAGS. FORTUNATELY I DID NOT HAVE MY WIFE OR KIDS IN THE CAR WITH ME, AS THIS POSSIBLY WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF LIFE. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED AND THAT A PENALTY OR CLASS ACTION SUIT OF SOME SORT SHOULD BE FILED AGAINST BMW OF NORTH AMERICA FOR THEIR LACK OF SAFETY CONCERNS TOWARDS CONSUMERS.
NHTSA ODI #10763292
114,500 miles · Jul 7, 2015
Air Bags
NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES AS THIS CURRENT BMW RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR 2006/2007 3 SERIES AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IT'S EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BMW SAYS MY CAR …
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NO ACCIDENT HAPPENED. HOWEVER, MY CAR IS EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUES AS THIS CURRENT BMW RECALL: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 HOWEVER, EVEN THOUGH MY CAR FALLS WITHIN THE MODEL YEAR 2006/2007 3 SERIES AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL AND IT'S EXPERIENCING THE SAME EXACT ISSUE AS DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL, BMW SAYS MY CAR DOES NOT FALL IN THE RECALL OR EXTENDED WARRANTY. EVERY TIME SOMEONE SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT, THE WARNING COMES UP THAT THE AIRBAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED AND HAS BEEN DISABLED. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERN.
NHTSA ODI #10732393
102,071 miles · Jun 25, 2015
Air BagsSeats
AIRBAG PROBLEM LIGHT CONSTANTLY LIT; "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE CAR IS GIVING A CODE FOR A FAILED PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 13V564000), BUT MY CAR (BUILD DATE JULY 07, 3-SERIES WI…
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AIRBAG PROBLEM LIGHT CONSTANTLY LIT; "PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF" LIGHT ALWAYS ON EVEN WHEN THERE IS A PASSENGER IN THE SEAT. MECHANIC STATES THAT THE CAR IS GIVING A CODE FOR A FAILED PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR. THERE IS ALREADY A RECALL FOR THIS MODEL AND YEAR (NHTSA CAMPAIGN 13V564000), BUT MY CAR (BUILD DATE JULY 07, 3-SERIES WITH SPORTS SEATS) IS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE RECALL OR THE VOLUNTARY WARRANTY EXTENSION ACCORDING TO BMW... .UPDATED 10/04/17 *BF THE CONSUMER REQUESTED THE VEHICLE BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PART NUMBER AS THE RECALL PART. UPDATED 10/17/2017*JS
NHTSA ODI #10730431
90,000 miles · Feb 27, 2015
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT AFFECTING AIR BAG TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER, RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE V…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE MESSAGE "FAULT IN PASSENGER RESTRAINT AFFECTING AIR BAG TENSIONER OR BELT FORCE LIMITER, RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION" WAS DISPLAYED ACROSS THE MESSAGE BOARD. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE SEAT MAT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS MADE AWARE OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
NHTSA ODI #10691109
85,000 miles · Aug 4, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT REMAINED UNOCCUPIED TO PREVENT ANY FURTHER FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER OCCUPANCY SENSOR NEEDED…
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
NHTSA ODI #10618808
112,000 miles · Jun 10, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPERATE OCASSIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 …
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 60 MPH, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO SEPERATE OCASSIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 112,900.
NHTSA ODI #10597454
65,000 miles · Mar 18, 2014
Air Bags
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED AS AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER'S SIDE RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED AS AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME FAILURE THAT WAS LISTED IN THE RECALL REPORT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
NHTSA ODI #10573170
12,000 miles · Sep 22, 2011
Air BagsService Brakes, Hydraulic
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIG…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 BMW 335I. WHILE PARKED THE CONTACT NOTICED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTICS. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE AIR BAG SENSOR IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE SENSOR WAS REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE COMPUTER WOULD HAVE TO BE REPROGRAMMED. THE FAILURE CONTINUED AFTER THE COMPUTER WAS REPROGRAMMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER A SECOND TIME FOR DIAGNOSTICS BUT THE TECHNICIANS WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.
NHTSA ODI #10426763
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 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.
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.
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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