2004 BMW X3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 32about this part
- Share
- 23%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 65,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 32 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 BMW X3, 23% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 65,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, 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.
“The airbag warning light on the dashboard stays illuminated while driving. The front passenger airbag light goes on and off intermittently while driving and my husband is sitting in the passenger seat. Called local Bmw dealership and 800 number- as after researching this issue it is a recall. They said it didn't pertain to my vehicle. The recall states for model years 2004 - 2006 Bmw X3. I have a 2004 Bmw X3 and am wondering how it doesn't pertain to my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #10263766, filed 2009-03, 45,960 miles“Without cause or incident, the passenger seat mat of our airbag system has failed and disabled the entire airbag system for our vehicle. A recall was issued for the same problem for the same model and year of manufacture, but our VIN was excluded from the recall. The repair costs are extraordinary and the manufacturer has refused to offer any assistance. Furthermore, the manufacturer is unable to explain why my particular vehicle was not part of the recall and how the airbag system works. The vehicle has very low mileage and has been well maintained.”
NHTSA complaint #10407630, filed 2011-06, 35,000 miles“Passenger airbag off overhead console light is illuminated intermittently even when 140 lb passenger occupies the front passenger seat. Sometimes when passenger moves around in the seat the light will go away. Talked to service advisor at Bmw of sterling, virginia on 4/5/12. …”
NHTSA complaint #10454331, filed 2012-04, 123,208 miles“Started the car and the airbag warning lamp came on and will not go off. The airbag has not been deployed and there has not been an accident. The passenger airbag status lamp is also on all the time. I am concerned the airbags are not working. The warning lights have been on for about 2 weeks.”
NHTSA complaint #10279035, filed 2009-08, 74,568 miles“Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Bmw X3. The contact stated that the vehicle was impacted and the rolled over several times but the driver side nor passenger side air bags deployed. The contact sustained injuries to the neck, head and upper back. The vehicle sustained major damage. The current and failure mileage is 68000. Jp updated 10/14/08. The right rear power window would not roll up. Updated 10/16/08.”
NHTSA complaint #10240874, filed 2008-09, 68,000 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 X3 2004–2006, 5 Series 2004–2006, 3 Series 2006
Related service bulletins
- 10218381Jun 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes is…
- 10160287Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10160244Apr 1, 2019TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL-RELATED SHORT-TERM ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION AND CONSEQUENTIAL REPAIRS This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B01 31 18 dated October 2018.
- 10153726Jan 1, 2019Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
- 10149557Oct 1, 2018For the above-referenced vehicles with driver?s side airbag modules, BMW of North America, LLC (?BMW NA?) will provide a Customer Support Program as outlined in the Takata…
- 10154816Feb 1, 2018In an effort to improve the completion rate on Takata air bag recall affected vehicles; BMW NA has expanded the BMW Ultimate Rewards platform to include a new Recall Support…
- 10029605Aug 1, 2011Bmw service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. The airbag warning lamp (awl) is illuminated, together with the passenger airbag status lamp (pol). The problem…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2024 | 2 | 5% |
| 2022 | 4 | 5% |
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 8 | 7% |
| 2019 | 4 | 2% |
| 2018 | 5 | 7% |
| 2017 | 7 | 8% |
| 2016 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 10 | 10% |
| 2014 | 9 | 10% |
| 2013 | 8 | 4% |
| 2012 | 12 | 29% |
| 2011 | 5 | 4% |
| 2010 | 10 | 31% |
| 2009 | 9 | 47% |
| 2008 | 32 | 48% |
| 2007 | 37 | 38% |
| 2006 | 76 | 53% |
| 2005 | 30 | 29% |
| 2004 | 32 | 23% |
Other parts of the 2004 BMW X3
33 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsEngine cooling
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaintsVehicle speed control
8 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaintsFuel system
7 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsSteering
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 BMW X3
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