2009 BMW X5 Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 7%of 138 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,116miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the seats of the 2009 BMW X5, 7% of the 138 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,116 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 front passenger seat has a permanent malfunction of occupancy detection. The airbag off light is illuminated while a passenger is occupying the seat. This is an obvious safety fault, and fails to meet current DOT regulations. I do not feel comfortable putting my passengers at risk while they sit there!”
NHTSA complaint #11012607, filed 2017-08, 140,000 miles“While driving on a freeway more than a week ago suddenly the airbag and restraint malfunction appeared for no valid reason.the next day my wife heard a loud metallic rub sound and park brake malfunction appeared. Searched online but no recall for this kind of problems for my X5 but it looks like its very common for bmws.need help!pls!thank you and more power!”
NHTSA complaint #10760238, filed 2015-08, 78,000 miles“My vehicle is Bmw X5 30i 2009 model year. I suddenly had an error message on the dashboard screen saying pass restraint system faulty . Dealer checked the problem and stated that this will not engage front passenger airbag and seatbelt restraint system if not fixed. Asked price was $1800 and paid $1500. Absurd price and should be covered by warranty -- its a safety system! I found out that there was an identical NHTSA recall on the same issue with other Bmw vehicles just one or two years before this model year. The NHTSA recall code of that recall is 08v384000. …”
NHTSA complaint #10766500, filed 2015-09, 80,000 miles“Front passenger occupancy sensor has permanent failure. Passenger airbag disabled light continuously illuminated at all times, with audible noise notifying that a passenger is present and must secure seat belt. Occurs when no passenger is present. In order to drive the vehicle with driver only, the passenger seat belt must be falsely deployed/secured. Reference: NHTSA campaign number: 13v564000”
NHTSA complaint #11006332, filed 2017-07, 139,000 miles“The heated seats in my 2009 Bmw X5 got so hot that it burned a hole through my leather seat and my clothing. There is a burning smell when I turn it on. I'm unable to use it now.”
NHTSA complaint #11075578, filed 2018-03Related service bulletins
- 10244258Oct 20, 2023Second seat row blocking access to third seat row, program seat modules. Visible stitching on first row sport seat. Third seat row backrest Bowden cable routing and length change.
- 10225113Sep 1, 2022The passenger's side (right rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
- 10225112Sep 1, 2022When returning the 2nd row seat 40% (right) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting…
- 10225111Sep 1, 2022When returning the 2nd row seat 60% (left) side from Easy-Entry: The seat stops moving before reaching the final home position, a check control message (CCM) appears alerting the…
- 10225110Sep 1, 2022The driver's side (left rear) of the 60/40 split 2nd row seat may intermittently not fully latch into position on one side (inner rail).
- 10149601May 1, 2013Rattle Noise from Rear Seat Backrest. A rattle noise can be heard from the rear seat area when the vehicle is driven. CAUSE The left and right rear seat backrest locks have…
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 3 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 5% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 4 | 3% |
| 2012 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 0% |
| 2010 | 2 | 2% |
| 2009 | 9 | 7% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 25 | 15% |
| 2005 | 7 | 9% |
| 2004 | 7 | 11% |
| 2003 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2009 BMW X5
42 complaintsAir bags
41 complaintsEngine
30 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsBrakes
10 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
10 complaintsOther or unknown
9 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsSteering
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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