1997 BMW Z3 Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 21%of 47 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 131,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the seat belts of the 1997 BMW Z3, 21% of the 47 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 131,000 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.
“My 1997 Bmw Z3 had the airbag light come on 2 years ago. The technician said it was caused by the seatbelt tensioner. He replaced it and all was fine. It's back on again. If this is as common to these models as I've heard why hasn't Bmw had a recall to fix the problem. This is getting expensive.”
NHTSA complaint #10369086, filed 2010-12, 131,000 miles“Airbag light stays on all the time. This happened the first time in november 1999. Dealership analyzed the fault on their computer and said it was a problem with the driver's side seatbelt recepticle. This was replaced under warranty. In june of 2001, airbag lite came on again. Dealership diagnosed the problem as a short in the driver's side seatbelt receptacle. Replacement cost is $266.00. I said they replaced the same part a year and a half ago. The said the warranty on parts is one year. I called Bmw of north america and requested help with the repair. …”
NHTSA complaint #748070, filed 2001-07“While driving, the air bag light illuminateed on the dashboard, the airbag sensor was replaced. . Consumer stated the seat belt tensioner and harness was causing the air bag light and engine light to come on, the hood sensor for the alarm was replaced, there was a faulty thermostat that caused damage to the radiator, the glove box was replaced and the seat came out of place when stopping.”
NHTSA complaint #8003673, filed 2002-02“The passenger side seat belt locks up more often than normal and at un-needed times. This causes pain to the user with the end result being that the user tends to remove the seat belt, or is forced to sit there in pain with the seat belt on and locked up.”
NHTSA complaint #10023167, filed 2003-06“Airbag light in dasboard remains illuminated. Seatbelts appear to work, but I have had the car inspected by 2 different service shops (dave walter Bmw and autobahn - both in akron, oh) and have been told that the cause is a faulty seatbelt lock on the driver's side seat.”
NHTSA complaint #748982, filed 2001-07Seat belts: other model years
Other parts of the 1997 BMW Z3
15 complaintsSeats
13 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsEngine cooling
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaintsVehicle speed control
2 complaintsElectrical system
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsExterior lighting
1 complaintsFuel system
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1997 BMW Z3
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