2009 BMW 328i Airbags Problems
Airbags account for 63 complaints on the 2009 BMW 328i, 33% of all 193 complaints filed for the year. Owners report inadvertent deployment, false warning lights disabling the passenger airbag, and Takata inflator issues, with a median failure mileage of 68,725. Two related recalls (24V513000, 20V017000) cover driver airbag module and inflator replacement.
- Airbags complaints
- 63
- 33% of 193 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 193
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 68,725 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Airbags deployed unexpectedly during low-speed driving without any collision, sometimes accompanied by instrument panel lights blinking and brakes seizing.
- Passenger-side airbag warning light stays on or indicates the airbag is deactivated even when the seat is occupied, pointing to a faulty occupant sensor mat.
- Owners tied to the Takata recall campaign reported airbags that deployed with excessive force or replacement parts that were unavailable for extended periods.
- Front driver airbag warning light illuminated repeatedly, sometimes with the airbag failing to deploy during a minor impact.
- Some owners linked airbag warning lights to broader electrical system faults, including one report of a fire tied to a separate cooling-related recall.
When 2009 BMW 328i airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 29, 2013, latest Nov 24, 2025.
Airbags recalls for the 2009 BMW 328i
- NHTSA 24V513000Jul 3, 2024Airbags394,029 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 3 Series Sedan (324i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi), 2006-2012 3 Series Sportswagon (325xi, 328i, 328xi), and 2009-2011 3 Series Sedan (335d) vehicles. The original steering wheel may have been replaced with a sport or M-sport steering wheel equipped with an inflator that can explode during deployment.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants, resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the driver's air bag module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 30, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 20V017000Jan 15, 2020Airbags59,965 vehicles
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2008-2013 128i and 135i Convertibles, 128i, 135i, and M Coupes, 2007-2010 X3 30si and X3 xDrive30i, 2013-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i and X1 xDrive35i, 2007-2013 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335is, 335i xDrive and M3 Coupes, 2006-2011 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive and M3, 2009-2011 335D, 2006-2012 325xi, 328i, 328xi and 328i xDrive, 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid, 2007-2013 328i, 335i, 335is, M3 Coupes, X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d and 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles equipped with non-desiccated driver frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver air bag. On X5 and X6 vehicles, only the inflator will be replaced. All repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Airbags complaints by 328i 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 2009 BMW 328i?
- NHTSA lists 63 airbag complaints for the 2009 328i, which is 33% of the 193 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for airbags on the 2009 BMW 328i?
- Yes, two recall campaigns cover airbags: 24V513000 for the driver's air bag module and 20V017000 for driver air bag replacement on related BMW models.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on this model year is 68,725 miles.
- Did the airbag issues cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury associated with airbag complaints on the 2009 BMW 328i.
- What specific airbag problems do owners describe?
- Owners describe unexpected deployment without a collision, passenger airbag warning lights indicating a disabled airbag despite occupancy, and Takata-related recall parts delays.