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Air bagsPart report

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 2024-04

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
20181043%

Other parts of the 2018 BMW M550I

Seat belts
6 complaints
Electrical system
4 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Engine
2 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
2 complaints
Lane departure
2 complaints
Other or unknown
2 complaints
Body and structure
2 complaints
Wheels
2 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Tires
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