2018 BMW M550I Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 43%of 23 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 2018 BMW M550I, 43% of the 23 complaints for this model year.
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.
“I’m getting a passenger restraint system malfunction message on my infotainment. Says: “Passenger restraint system limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt.” This is the second time this has occurred on this specific vehicle. First time was in 2021 and was repaired. Now it came up again.”
NHTSA complaint #11680940, filed 2025-08“My old 5 series 2017 had this same problem, now my 2018 m550i has the airbag problem. A warning light for no reason pops up saying “passenger restraint system malfunction” and turns off the passengers airbag, BMW will not fix it out of warranty and charges 3,000$. Many people are driving around without airbags in a new car because of this.”
NHTSA complaint #11503861, filed 2023-01“The passenger restraint malfunction continues to alarm and the dealership states that it is a seat-pad sensor and want over $2000.00 to replace. From a number of BMW forums, it appears that this was a common problem with earlier models and a subsequent 15-year warranty extension was granted because of the safety concerns. My car is well cared for and has very few miles on it, so I truly believe that BMW needs to either recall this faulty SAFETY component or replace it free of charge. Please protect me and my family by holding BMW accountable.”
NHTSA complaint #11550749, filed 2023-10“Passenger restraint system malfunction. I took it to the dealership and was told it will cost $3785.91 to replace the passenger seat mat. Looking online, this problem appears to be widespread with many individual car owners complaining of the issue. Given that this is a life safety system and its apparent prevalence, it seems appropriate to consider this for a mandatory recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11591343, filed 2024-05“The passenger seat occupancy mat is faulty - same as in many other BMW models for which BMW has issued a 15 year warranty. The car chimes and states fasten safety belt for the passenger seat when the passenger seat is entirely empty. This error comes and goes, and stops when the belt is buckled.”
NHTSA complaint #11586141, filed 2024-04Related service bulletins
- 11017101Apr 18, 2025The Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive Interior Sensor (CIS) Mat for defects in materials and/or workmanship that causes a false…
- 10227568Oct 1, 2022According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy…
- 10190861Mar 1, 2021REAR LIGHT FAULTY CHECK CONTROL MESSAGE: The CID displays "Left brake light faulty.
- 10176356May 1, 2020FRONT GRILLE UPPER/LOWER ACTIVE AIR FLAPS - LTD WTY EXT TO 15 YEARS/150000: A check engine light or check control message is present for the active air flaps behind the kidney…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 10 | 43% |
Other parts of the 2018 BMW M550I
6 complaintsElectrical system
4 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsEngine
2 complaintsForward collision avoidance
2 complaintsLane departure
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsWheels
2 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaintsTires
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 BMW M550I
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