2004 BMW 3 Series Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 77 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 92,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the seats of the 2004 BMW 3 Series, 3% of the 77 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 92,500 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The heating element on my 2004 Bmw x3 caught on fire while I was driving. I don't use it often, but had noticed a hot smell when I did use it and that it would be too warm in the lumbar and hip region. The fire actually burned about a dime size hole in the driver side left seat panel (under the thigh). After reading of many others having the same or worse experiences, I am glad I immediately shut if off, although it still burned all the way through the leather. Please advise me of next steps I should take. I have shut off the heater and will no longer use it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10652062, filed 2014-11, 74,000 miles“No in passenger seat when starting the car and the passenger air bag lamp was illuminated on dashboard. Turned car off and then back on and the light was off. Went about 15 feet and the light came back on. Turns on and off with or without anyone in the seat. Bmw representative stated recall id# 81074 did not relate to my VIN.”
NHTSA complaint #10496099, filed 2013-02, 111,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10025848Jun 1, 2008Bmw: seat frame design changed for 392 (3 series coupe) produced up to may 2007. On early production e92s, the socket which secures the seat backrest release cable to the release…
Seats: other model years
Other parts of the 2004 BMW 3 Series
42 complaintsAir bags
15 complaintsElectrical system
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsBrakes
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
2 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsSuspension
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW 3 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology