2005 BMW X3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 30about this part
- Share
- 29%of 103 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,932miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 30 complaints about the air bags of the 2005 BMW X3, 29% of the 103 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,932 miles. 1 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.
“I had just started the car and the airbag light came on in the instrument cluster. The passenger air bag on/off light was also illuminated. From that time on both lights are on and I'm concerned that we don't have a passenger airbag. I'm guessing it has something to do with that sensor that tells if someone is sitting in the passenger seat.”
NHTSA complaint #10496268, filed 2013-02, 99,000 miles“There is a recall on the Bmw 2005 X3 passenger airbag. My car is not included in the recall but, has the same problems as the cars with the recall. The airbag light goes on, it goes off, it goes on, it goes off and then finally it stays on so the airbag doesn't work. I brought it into the dealer and they confirmed it is the sensor mat.”
NHTSA complaint #10515527, filed 2013-06, 78,000 miles“I took my vehicle for an oil change and other minor services and the mechanic advised srs light on for passenger seat occupancy sensor . The passenger air bag on-off lamp and the air bag warning lamp have both been illuminated simultaneously for several months. I called Bmw customer relations and was advised that my vehicle does not fall under the current front seat occupant protection mat recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10567397, filed 2014-03, 125,572 miles“The car is having a triad of lights with no problem found. Keep getting 4x4, ABS, brake, and now my passenger seat airbag warning lights. And researching online I found that smiliar year models were recalled for the airbag sensor.”
NHTSA complaint #11064318, filed 2018-01, 144,000 miles“All other 2005 Bmw X3 have a recall except for mine. I have had my airbag light come on twice. I have had my seat sensor on my passenger side replaced once. I feel like the recall should cover my vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11166103, filed 2019-01, 90,000 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…
- 10151028Jan 1, 2016"This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 69 06 dated June 2008. designates changes to this revision SUBJECT Airbag Warning Lamp Illuminated, FC 93EB or FC 55 . The…
- 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…
- 10025849Jun 1, 2008Bmw: airbag warning lamp, fc93eb or fc 55. Model e90, e91 (3 series) and e83 (x3) vehicles produced between 8/31/05 and 4/26/06. Red airbag warning lamp (awl) in the instrument…
- 10012498Jan 1, 2006Airbag warning light is illuminated, and fault code 71 (seat occupancy detector) is stored in mrs4rd. Bmw e83 (x3). Model year unknown.
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 2005 BMW X3
48 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsEngine
5 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsBrakes
2 complaintsElectronic stability control
2 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 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