2020 BMW X5 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 5%of 113 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 52,414miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the air bags of the 2020 BMW X5, 5% of the 113 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,414 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.
“I have received two malfunction alerts two months apart for both driver and passenger airbags. The first dealership reset the fault codes and the second different dealership found 4 faults and reset it as well. I learned from the second dealership that the airbag sensors sit below the cup holders, secured by a screw in each cup on the bottom base of the housing. They removed the rubber bottom portion of the cup holder and noticed there was liquid reside and the screw appeared rusted. They believe the water may have leaked through the screw and ruined the airbag sensors. …”
NHTSA complaint #11502059, filed 2023-01“The contact owns a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated that the message Driver Restraint System Malfunction was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the driver’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 39,500.”
NHTSA complaint #11629873, filed 2024-12, 39,500 miles“Due to a small coffee spill srs light for front and back were triggered, with the potential of having air bags deployed, this is a defect that needs to be addressed. There was a class acton lawsuit that has since been concluded, but how about for new owners of old vehicles. This should be a safety concern.”
NHTSA complaint #11620270, filed 2024-10“The contact owned a 2020 BMW X5. The contact stated while the contact's mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, another vehicle attempted to make a left turn and crashed head-on into the front driver and passenger side of the vehicle. The driver's air bag did not deploy. During the impact, the driver's head hit the windshield causing it to crack. The police and paramedics arrived on the scene. The contact and the contact's mother were transported to the local medical center. The contact's mother was treated for a severe concussion and severe cuts and bruises. …”
NHTSA complaint #11648949, filed 2025-03, 65,327 miles“Rear restraint system malfunction. BMW states it’s a faulty airbag that is not under warranty. Car has never been in an accident and only 4 years old so there should not have been any issues. It is a safety issue for passengers.”
NHTSA complaint #11551427, filed 2023-10Related service bulletins
- 11033033May 19, 2026A check control message (CCM) for the restraint system (Air bag) appears. In the instrument cluster, the redair bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following…
- 11013061Jan 2, 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…
- 10244528Oct 30, 2023BMW of North America, LLC (BMW NA) has a nationwide settlement with the plaintiffs in the following class action: Brightk Consulting, Inc. v. BMW of North America, LLC. The Court…
- 10242532Aug 1, 2023BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop: KNEE AIRBAG.
- 10236228Apr 1, 2023The hazard light (aka emergency flasher) button gets stuck in the ON or OFF position when actuated.
- 10227927Nov 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…
- 10218382Jun 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 stored…
- 10214266Apr 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
- 10212527Feb 1, 2022A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
- 10205071Nov 1, 2021BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop (effective October 15, 2021) on certain Model Year 2022 BMW vehicles that were produced between September 28, 2021 and October 8, 2021. The…
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 | 3 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2022 | 1 | 1% |
| 2021 | 7 | 6% |
| 2020 | 6 | 5% |
| 2019 | 12 | 6% |
| 2018 | 4 | 5% |
| 2017 | 5 | 7% |
| 2016 | 5 | 7% |
| 2015 | 14 | 9% |
| 2014 | 6 | 6% |
| 2013 | 47 | 32% |
| 2012 | 83 | 31% |
| 2011 | 67 | 25% |
| 2010 | 35 | 28% |
| 2009 | 41 | 30% |
| 2008 | 65 | 30% |
| 2007 | 39 | 55% |
| 2006 | 83 | 49% |
| 2005 | 16 | 20% |
| 2004 | 6 | 9% |
| 2003 | 15 | 15% |
| 2002 | 19 | 19% |
| 2001 | 16 | 10% |
| 2000 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2020 BMW X5
39 complaintsEngine
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
17 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine cooling
15 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 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