2006 BMW 5 Series Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 36about this part
- Share
- 42%of 85 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 69,500miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 36 complaints about the air bags of the 2006 BMW 5 Series, 42% of the 85 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 69,500 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My passenger air bag warning light came on about a month ago for apparent reason and stay on ever since. I contacted the local Bmw dealer and was told my VIN was not on the recall list. I was very disappointed and dont understand why some cars were on the recall and some were not. Apparently this is a common problem with all bmws and a very serious safety issue. This safety issue should be taken care of by the manufacture.”
NHTSA complaint #10846358, filed 2016-03, 80,000 miles“I own Bmw 530xi ,I have problem with the passenger air bag , light still on all time . I checked in the web side Bmw have recall for this issue ,but I contact Bmw ask me for the VIN # ,I giving all number, but later they said to me my car not qualify for this issue I don't know why my car not qualify for this issue, I do not paid $ 1000, for this.... Let's Bmw do this... Thanks...”
NHTSA complaint #10554981, filed 2013-12, 82,000 miles“The passenger seat airbag malfunctioned casing the seat to have to be removed and sensor replaced. There was a recall on this but my car, and 2 of my friends cars were not included on the recall, my friends were charged by the dealership. My engine leaks oil onto the exhaust manifold causing smoke in the cab and potential fire hazard. On every bm I have ever owned the radiator leaks fluid which is environmentally hazardous and should have been recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #10939903, filed 2017-01, 69,000 miles“Passenger restraint system fault light has started showing on my Bmw, there has been a recall reported on the same component statement on voluntary recall involving front passenger seat sensor mat on u.s.a. Model bmws - august 13, 2008 . I have the same problem but my VIN is not showing up in the recall. I took the car to dealer and dealer says its exactly the same part but I am not covered under recall warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10412831, filed 2011-07, 74,200 miles“My 2006 Bmw 525i indicates a passive restraint system fault. The dealer reports the diagnosis code as oc3 mat faulted. The estimate for repair is $1,095.15. I declined the repair. When I asked for a written estimate they also sent me an estimate for another customer's 2005 Bmw 525i/530 that had the same fault, so I thought it was worth reporting to see if it is a widespread issue with the passive restraint system faults.”
NHTSA complaint #10400654, filed 2011-05, 65,552 milesRelated recalls
- 08V384000Aug 5, 2008Bmw is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the…Covers: BMW 5 Series 2004–2006, X3 2004–2006, 3 Series 2006
Related service bulletins
- 10056703Sep 1, 2014Bmw: see document search button for owner letter. Limited warranty has been extended, up to 15 years, on certain vehicles, without mileage limitation for front passenger air bag…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 | 10% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 17% |
| 2009 | 1 | 13% |
| 2008 | 2 | 2% |
| 2007 | 6 | 46% |
| 2006 | 36 | 42% |
| 2005 | 10 | 48% |
| 2004 | 29 | 45% |
| 2003 | 4 | 27% |
Other parts of the 2006 BMW 5 Series
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
8 complaintsBrakes
7 complaintsExterior lighting
7 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsTires
4 complaintsWheels
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsBody and structure
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 BMW 5 Series
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 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