2011 BMW X3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 4%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 50,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2011 BMW X3, 4% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 50,000 miles.
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.
“The passenger restraint system is malfunctioning. This is a common problem that Bmw X3 cars have. We have the sports edition and despite several attempts to fix the problem the sensor in the mat continue to indicate the air bag will not deploy if we have an accident despite how severe that accident is. We have contacted the Bmw dealership and they pretended of knowing nothing about similar complaints or of a recall on the sensor in the seat mat. It will cost us about 1,000 dollars to fix. Yet most to all Bmw owners of the X3 series, especially the sports edition have the same problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10638192, filed 2014-09, 50,000 miles“Passenger restraint system warning inadvertently pops up when car is started and/or while driving regardless if someone is sitting in the passenger seat or not.”
NHTSA complaint #11241646, filed 2019-08, 93,000 miles“While driving a message popped up on the display stating that the vehicle was experiencing a chassis stabilization problem and that we needed to drive moderately. Also all of the instrument cluster indicator lights have come on, causing the concern for a safe vehicle now. Also passenger restraint indication illuminates periodically.”
NHTSA complaint #11082423, filed 2018-04“The passenger side weight sensor that indicates whether it is safe for the airbag to fire is failing, giving a repeat error. It has put individuals sitting in the passenger side in potential harm's way if we were to get in an accident. It is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been reproduced by the dealer. They want an exorbitant amount of money to fix it. Prior models had the same defect, and were subject of recalls/repairs/warranty extensions. Not so for this model-year. …”
NHTSA complaint #11447887, filed 2022-01Related service bulletins
- 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…
- 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…
- 10174015Apr 1, 2020TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked…
- 10146769Sep 1, 2017"AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT: ACSM FC 930A60 OR 930A1C SEAT OCCUPANCY DETECTION. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle…
- 10147091Feb 1, 2015"Airbag Warning Light: ACSM FC 930A60 or 930A1C Seat Occupancy Detection. According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be on when the vehicle…
- 10057707Feb 1, 2015Bmw:some bmw models may or may not display airbag warning light.
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 2011 BMW X3
31 complaintsEngine cooling
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsElectrical system
22 complaintsSteering
21 complaintsExterior lighting
10 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsSeat belts
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 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