2021 BMW X5 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 6%of 110 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 35,691miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 BMW X5, 6% of the 110 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 35,691 miles. 3 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.
“In a parking garage I found a open space and slowly moving towards that to park, car was approaching space at about 10 ft from that, all of a sudden car accelerated and lurched forward and hit the parking structure wall. Airbags deployed for all three of us, one of my colleagues was in passenger seat, another in the back seat. There was no warning on no time to react, this happens in seconds.”
NHTSA complaint #11517231, filed 2023-04“2021 X5 M50i: The driver's knee airbag deployed in a crash and lacerated my left lower leg down to the muscle and abraded most of the layers of skin on my right shin. I was taken to the ER by ambulance. The laceration could only be partially sutured together. There was no shrapnel in the wounds. I have to go to a wound care center to treat the mentioned injuries. Everything else on me was fine, just some bruises and sore muscles; my car saved my life. I was not at fault. All airbags, except the vacant front passenger, were deployed. I was the only occupant of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11551979, filed 2023-10“Described by BMW as a malfunctioning passenger restraint system , the sensor detecting weight in the seats is faulty without any external factors. The safety of both minors and adults is placed at risk when a system like this malfunctions, either keeping the airbag on or off. The automatically-adjusting seatbelt is also affected by this. There was a warning message for this displayed.”
NHTSA complaint #11688338, filed 2025-09“The contact owns a 2021 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the air bag had failed and that the air bag and/or the sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 63,382.”
NHTSA complaint #11736074, filed 2026-05, 63,382 miles“Vehicle is designed where ACSM control unit of the airbags is located directly under the cup holder where moisture and any small leak can short it out. This has happened many times and as BMW will acknowledge the problem, they will not do any repairs under warranty to correct the issue. There is a class action lawsuit pending.”
NHTSA complaint #11519913, filed 2023-05Related 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…
- 11025835Nov 25, 2025A 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…
- 11009002Oct 17, 2024A 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…
- 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.
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 2021 BMW X5
38 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
31 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsOther or unknown
18 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
9 complaintsEngine cooling
7 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsForward collision avoidance
5 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsVehicle speed control
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsLane departure
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 BMW X5
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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