1999 BMW Z3 Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 26%of 39 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 84,975miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the air bags of the 1999 BMW Z3, 26% of the 39 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 84,975 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.
“Air bag light on. Shop mechanic stated retrieved DTC code for drivers seat belt switch open or short circuit. Cleaned connectors, cleared DTC info operational check ok. If fault recurs, recommend replacement of drivers seat belt latch assembly. Problem fixed june 18, 2008. Now problem with air bag light on is back. There seem to be a lot of problems with air bag sensors and seat belt latches on various bsm vehicles according to internet searches.”
NHTSA complaint #10310014, filed 2010-02, 82,000 miles“Air bag indicator light remains on continuously. Took in to the dealer, however the light came back on and has never gone off, since I have owned the car. Passenger seat belt gets stuck while passenger is belted and will not release.”
NHTSA complaint #10010570, filed 2003-03, 23,250 miles“Hello, NHTSA released a recall warning for BMWs made from 2000 to 2006, regarding Takata airbags. The risk to vehicle occupants is dire, it said. My 1999 BMW Z3 was made one year before this, and is not included in the recall. I have been trying to determine whether my '99 BMW has Takata airbags as well, thus far with no success. As of today, BMW will only tell me that there are no outstanding recalls for my car - they have not been willing to tell me what type of airbags they originally installed in it. Do your records indicate what type of airbags I have?”
NHTSA complaint #11576189, filed 2024-03“The contact stated while driving 70 MPH during clear conditions, the front driver side air bag deployed without warning or impact to the vehicle. There was no debris or potholes present. The contact suffered cuts, bruising and scaring to the left arm. The contact drove to the hospital. The service dealer and manufacturer were notified and photos were taken of the vehicle and injuries. Updated 11/16/2006 -the gas gauge and odometer were inoperative. The dealer replaced the instrument cluster. The driver's door grab handle was replaced. The rear shocks and mounts were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10171793, filed 2006-10, 87,950 miles“Reocurring problem with air bag light malfunctioning. Vehicle was in the shop twice before for the same problem. Dealer didn't know how to diagnose and correct the failure.”
NHTSA complaint #10044461, filed 2003-10Air bags: other model years
Other parts of the 1999 BMW Z3
11 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
9 complaintsSeat belts
7 complaintsSuspension
6 complaintsElectrical system
2 complaintsOther or unknown
2 complaintsSeats
2 complaintsBrakes
1 complaintsEngine
1 complaintsEquipment
1 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
1 complaintsSteering
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1999 BMW Z3
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 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