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Air bagsPart report

2016 BMW X5 Air bags Problems

Complaints
5about this part
Share
7%of 74 total for the year
Median mileage
63,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the air bags of the 2016 BMW X5, 7% of the 74 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 63,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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.

“When the vehicle was stationary the air bag malfunction light came on after a loud pop noise was heard on the front passenger side of the dashboard. We then took the vehicle to Bmw for a safety inspection. Please see attached initial report where they claim the airbag has failed and want us to pay $3000 to replace it.”

NHTSA complaint #11318029, filed 2020-03, 63,000 miles

“Because of this water intrusion, the following safety systems have malfunctioned or failed: • ABS and DSC (stability control) warnings • Chassis stabilization warning • Frontal collision and pedestrian warning malfunction • Airbag system warning • Loss of audible warning tones • MOST bus communication failure • Electrical modules intermittently shutting down or throwing codes These failures affect braking, stability control, crash avoidance, and driver alerts, creating a significant safety risk while driving. This is not normal wear or maintenance. …”

NHTSA complaint #11700942, filed 2025-11

“Driver restraint malfunction appeared on the vehicle's dashboard. Brought car to dealership for investigation,and they suggested replacing the unused airbag with a new airbag.”

NHTSA complaint #11503357, filed 2023-01

Related service bulletins

Air bags: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202523%
202432%
202313%
202211%
202176%
202065%
2019126%
201845%
201757%
201657%
2015149%
201466%
20134732%
20128331%
20116725%
20103528%
20094130%
20086530%
20073955%
20068349%
20051620%
200469%
20031515%
20021919%
20011610%
200013%

Other parts of the 2016 BMW X5

Electrical system
23 complaints
Engine
14 complaints
Other or unknown
14 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
13 complaints
Fuel system
12 complaints
Engine cooling
7 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaints
Body and structure
4 complaints
Suspension
4 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Vehicle speed control
3 complaints
Brakes
2 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 BMW X5

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