2019 BMW X3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 171 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the air bags of the 2019 BMW X3, 2% of the 171 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,500 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
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.
“1- Passenger Restraint System Malfunction error codes- related to wiring or front passenger seat- long timeframe and expense to diagnose 2- Engine mounts broken Oct 2023 and again Aug 2025- known issue by BMW service- high repair cost & repeat failure 3- Front crash assist will brake for shadows caused by trees or adjacent trucks and has nearly caused accidents”
NHTSA complaint #11689994, filed 2025-09“The contact owns a 2019 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed while the front passenger’s side seat was being occupied, the message Front Passenger’s Restraint System Malfunction was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the front passenger’s side seat mat detection sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11672529, filed 2025-07, 68,500 miles“With only 41,289 miles, Driver Restraint System Malfunction notification came on soon after the car was started. BMW dealer advised that it was due to faulty knee airbag module on driver side (fault code 930949-short circuit to ground). The wiring harness going to the knee airbag may have been rubbing against the support tube of the instrument panel. Cost to fix is parts $1,288 and labor $1,282. Total cost not covered by BMW since the car is few months over 4 years old. …”
NHTSA complaint #11593246, filed 2024-06“While driving, an error message appeared on the car screen that said: Passenger restraint system malfunction: Contact BMW Carefully drive to the closest service center. Passenger restraint system is limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt. 1) What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint system 2) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? …”
NHTSA complaint #11481066, filed 2022-08Related recalls
- 21V521000Jul 8, 2021BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2018-2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i and 2019 X4 xDrive30i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The front…Covers: BMW X3 2018–2019, X4 2019
- 19V291000Apr 10, 2019BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, and X4 M40i vehicles. The instrument panel assembly may have…Covers: BMW X3 2019, X4 2019
Related service bulletins
- 11019577Jun 11, 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…
- 11019576Jun 11, 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…
- 11018553May 1, 2025A situation may occur where the front passenger seat is not occupied. However, a “fasten seat belt” warning and a front passenger seat air bag deactivation message appears. If…
- 11017100Apr 9, 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…
- 11017099Apr 9, 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…
- 11013058Jan 6, 2025The limited warranty for the Knee Air Bag wire harness repair cable procedure for defects in materials and / or workmanship has been extended to 10 years / 120,000 miles as…
- 10246225Nov 28, 2023A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following…
- 10242529Aug 1, 2023A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
- 10228440Nov 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…
- 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…
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 2019 BMW X3
47 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsEngine
35 complaintsBody and structure
31 complaintsForward collision avoidance
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsExterior lighting
6 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
5 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2019 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