NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Air Bags complaints
9 reportsClear category filter79,000 miles · Dec 31, 2025
Air BagsEngine And Engine Cooling
The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for water pump repairs, the wrench warning light was illuminated, and the message "Passenger Seat Restraint Sensor Failure" was displayed. The contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the passenger's seat…
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The contact owns a 2018 BMW 530E. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer for water pump repairs, the wrench warning light was illuminated, and the message "Passenger Seat Restraint Sensor Failure" was displayed. The contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the passenger's seat occupant weight sensor had failed. The vehicle was not repaired due to cost. The contact stated that the failure had persisted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,000.
NHTSA ODI #11707996
Mileage unknown · Nov 5, 2025
Air BagsSeat BeltsSeats
Passenger seat occupancy sensor faulty causing restraint system malfunction and seat belt warning
NHTSA ODI #11697612
Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
Air Bags
i have read all the forums and there are many complaints on this same safety issue and why hasn't a recall been issued? Passenger restraint system light stay on !
NHTSA ODI #11652985
Mileage unknown · Jan 3, 2025
Air BagsSeat Belts
The Passenger Restraint System Malfunction warning light comes on randomly. Also the passenger side seat belt light comes on even if I put my wallet or something very light on the seat. I previously replaced the driver side seat sensor because the restraint system error was coming on. It seems odd that this critical component wo…
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The Passenger Restraint System Malfunction warning light comes on randomly. Also the passenger side seat belt light comes on even if I put my wallet or something very light on the seat. I previously replaced the driver side seat sensor because the restraint system error was coming on. It seems odd that this critical component would fail in both seats by year six.
NHTSA ODI #11634005
Mileage unknown · Jul 29, 2024
Air Bags
The occupant sensor in the driver seat has failed, triggering an airbag warning. This car is only 6 years old, and the cost of the part/labor to repair it is $2500.
NHTSA ODI #11605053
Mileage unknown · Apr 22, 2024
Air BagsSeat Belts
Passenger restraint system malfunction cause by faulty sensors that are not covered by warranties.
NHTSA ODI #11584457
Mileage unknown · Mar 11, 2024
Air Bags
It appears that the dealer has disabled my passenger side air bag system. The car is available for inspection. The safety of any front passenger is at risk as the system has been disabled by the dealer after a 'vehicle check' that occurred during routine maintenance. The problem (airbag system disabled) has been confirmed by the…
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It appears that the dealer has disabled my passenger side air bag system. The car is available for inspection. The safety of any front passenger is at risk as the system has been disabled by the dealer after a 'vehicle check' that occurred during routine maintenance. The problem (airbag system disabled) has been confirmed by the same BMW dealer that performed the service. The vehicle has not had additional inspections. Prior to this problem, an alert/message would indicate the passenger would need to buckle up. Never was a passenger in the seat, I would move the groceries, backpack, water bottle, etc to the floor and message would dismiss itself. This message to buckle up has been appearing since the car was purchased as a certified BMW from a BMW dealer. Recently, I took my car into the BMW dealer that I typically go for scheduled, routine maintenance. The maintenance consisted of an oil change, oil filter change, air filter change, and vehicle check. When I started the car after picking it up, a chime sounded and a warning message was displayed that says "Passenger restraint system malfunction: Contact BMW Carefully drive to the closest service center. Passenger restraint system is limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt." Additionally, a red air bad light is displayed on the dash board instrument cluster. Every time the car is started the chime sounds and these message is displayed. Dealer is requesting 2,000-2,500 to replace a part - meanwhile system was dealer disabled. Please note this issue has occurred in the past with BMW SRS systems, and a recall resolved the issue.
NHTSA ODI #11576746
Mileage unknown · Aug 10, 2023
Air Bags
BMW has had known issues with its passenger seat safety sensors failing. These are expensive repairs exceeding $2,000+ and happen frequently with the 2018 - 2020 BMW 5 Series. My 2018 BMW 530e has had this sensor fail with regular usage. There hasn't been an abnormal exposure to moisture (I live in Utah, a very dry climate) and …
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BMW has had known issues with its passenger seat safety sensors failing. These are expensive repairs exceeding $2,000+ and happen frequently with the 2018 - 2020 BMW 5 Series. My 2018 BMW 530e has had this sensor fail with regular usage. There hasn't been an abnormal exposure to moisture (I live in Utah, a very dry climate) and so the vulnerability of this technology and the cost associated with it's upkeep and it's necessity for basic safety, means BMW should own up to ensuring that this has better and more reliable craftsmanship.
NHTSA ODI #11537627
Mileage unknown · May 26, 2023
Air Bags
I get the message “Passanger Restraint System Failure” at random times.
NHTSA ODI #11524031
Official recalls
4Apr 29, 2020
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Additional source detail variants (4)
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Consequence: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Consequence: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags:frontal
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Consequence: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i and 540i xDrive and 2017-2018 530e xDrive vehicles. Prior exposure to excessive levels of humidity within the driver and passenger head air bag inflators may affect the proper deployment of the head air bags.
Consequence: In the event of a crash of sufficient severity, deployment of the head air bag may be impaired and/or the igniter could separate from the inflator, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right head air bag, free of charge. The recall began June 24, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Sep 27, 2019
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 540d, 2018-2020 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 530e, 530e xDrive, X3 sDrive, X3 xDrive, X3 M40i, X3 M, and 2019-2020 X4 xDrive, X4 M40i, X4 M, X7 xDrive, X7 M50i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 750Li, 750Li xDrive, 8 Series Convertible and Coupe 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, X5 sDrive, X5 xDrive, X5 M50i, X6 xDrive, X6 M50i, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, Z4 sDrive, Z4 M40i, 740Le xDrive and 745Le xDrive, 2018-2019 640i xDrive Gran Turismo and Rolls-Royce Phantom, 2019 M850i xDrive Gran Coupe and Rolls-Royce Cullinan and 2020 Toyota Supra vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the back-up camera software, free of charge. The recall began November 8, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or Rolls-Royce at 1-877-877-3735. Toyota owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371.
Sep 20, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 330e iPerformance, i3 Rex, i3 Sport Rex, X5 xDrive40e, i3 BEV, i3 Sport BEV and 2019 i8 and i8 Roadster vehicles and 2018-2019 530e iPerformance, 530e xDrive iPerformance and 740Le xDrive iPerformance vehicles. Capacitors within the TurboCord Portable Chargers may fail, possibly resulting in a shock hazard or a fire.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An electrical shock or a fire can increase the risk of injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the charging cable, and replace it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 22, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Jul 11, 2018
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018 BMW 540d xDrive vehicles. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall. On September 12, 2018, BMW expanded the recall to a total of 5,309 vehicles including certain 2018-2019 BMW 540d xDrive, 230i M240i, M240i xDrive, X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 330i, 330i xDrive, 340i, 340i xDrive, 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 530e, 530e xDrive, 640i xDrive Gran Turismo, 330e, 2019 430i Gran Coupe, 430i xDrive Gran Coupe, 440i Gran Coupe, 440i xDrive Gran Coupe, 430i, 430i xDrive, 440i, 440i xDrive, 740i, 740i xDrive, MINI Cooper, Cooper S, JCW, MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), and MINI Clubman (Cooper, Cooper S, Cooper All4, Cooper S All4, JCW All4) vehicles.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the crankshaft sensor, free of charge. The recall began September 6, 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
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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