2006 BMW 3 Series Airbags Problems
Airbag complaints make up 101 of 202 total complaints on the 2006 BMW 3 Series, or 50% of all filings for that year. NHTSA recall 08V384000 covers the front passenger seat sensor mat, though some owners report being excluded from coverage despite matching symptoms. Median mileage at failure was 69,000.
- Airbags complaints
- 101
- 50% of 202 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 202
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 69,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Frontal airbags failed to deploy during low-speed and moderate-speed crashes, in one case leaving driver's side doors damaged with no prior warning.
- Passenger seat occupancy sensor mat malfunctions, triggering an illuminated 'passenger airbag off' or 'airbag disabled' indicator even with an adult seated.
- Airbags failed to deploy during a frontal crash at highway speed, resulting in reported shoulder and neck injuries.
- Passenger airbag deployed unexpectedly during a minor bumper impact, causing facial injury to an occupant.
- Owners were told their vehicle was excluded from recall campaign 08V384000 despite showing the same seat sensor mat symptoms described in the recall, leaving them responsible for repair.
- Airbag and seatbelt warning lights stayed illuminated continuously while driving, described as an ongoing indicator malfunction.
When 2006 BMW 3 Series airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 14, 2008, latest May 2, 2018.
Airbags recalls for the 2006 BMW 3 Series
- NHTSA 08V384000Aug 5, 2008Airbags200,000 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Bmw is recalling 200,000 my 2006 3 series sport seat, my 2004-2006 5 series standard and sport seat, and my 2004-2006 x3 passenger vehicles. Depending on the manner and frequency of the front passenger's entry and exit, small cracks have developed in the mat. If this occurs, the front passenger air bags, with the exception of the head protection system, will be deactivated and the air bag warning lamp as well as the passenger air bag "on-off" lamp will be illuminated.
Risk: In this situation the front passenger air bags will not deploy even if a sufficiently severe accident would occur and occupant protection provided by the system would not be possible.
Remedy: Dealers will rework the front passenger seat sensor mat so that external force application to the seat does not cause a crack to the mat. The recall began on november 6, 2008. Bmw will also extend the warranty on these vehicles to 10 years from first registration without any mileage limit. Owners may contact bmw at 1-800-525-7417.
Airbags complaints by 3 Series model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are airbag complaints on the 2006 BMW 3 Series?
- Airbags account for 101 of 202 total complaints filed for the 2006 3 Series, or 50% of all complaints for that model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 3 Series airbags?
- Yes, NHTSA campaign 08V384000, reported August 5, 2008, covers the front passenger seat sensor mat on the sport seat. Dealers rework the mat so outside force on the seat does not falsely disable the airbag.
- Were there any injuries or crashes linked to this?
- NHTSA data for this problem area lists 3 crashes and 3 injuries associated with airbag complaints on the 2006 3 Series.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on the 2006 3 Series is 69,000 miles.
- Does the recall cover every 2006 3 Series with this problem?
- Not always. Several owners reported their vehicle was excluded from campaign 08V384000 despite showing the same passenger seat sensor mat symptoms described in the recall, leaving them to pay for repairs.