How common are airbag complaints on the 2006 BMW 330Ci?

Airbags make up 26 of the 34 total complaints filed for this model year, or 76% of all complaints.

Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 330Ci airbags?

Yes. NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls, campaign 20V018000 and campaign 15V318000, both involving the front passenger airbag, with dealers replacing it free of charge.

At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on this model year is 88,500 miles.

Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this component shows 1 crash and 3 injuries reported among the airbag complaints.

Were parts available to fix the recalled airbags?

Several owners reported that replacement parts for the recall remedy were unavailable for extended periods, delaying repairs.

2006 BMW 330Ci Airbags Problems

Airbags account for 26 of 34 total complaints (76%) filed on the 2006 BMW 330Ci, with a median failure mileage of 88,500 miles. Two related recalls (20V018000 and 15V318000) cover front passenger airbag replacement, and several owners reported long waits for replacement parts.

Airbags complaints: 26; 76% of 34 complaints
All complaints this year: 34
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 88,500 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical airbag symptoms owners report

Passenger-side airbag warning light illuminates due to a faulty occupancy sensor or sensor mat, sometimes with the dealer stating the vehicle was excluded from the recall by mistake.
A driver-side door airbag deployed unexpectedly during highway driving with no collision involved.
Owners who received recall notices for the front passenger airbag reported that replacement parts were unavailable for extended periods, leaving the defect unrepaired.
Some owners stated they avoided driving with passengers in the front seat because of the unresolved airbag defect while waiting on parts.
Multiple owners reported not experiencing an actual airbag failure but were still waiting on recall remedy parts referenced under campaign 14v428000.

When 2006 BMW 330Ci airbag complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 4, 2010, latest Jan 27, 2019.

26 complaints filed with NHTSA from Oct 2010 to Jan 2019; peak Dec 2014 (4).

Airbags recalls for the 2006 BMW 330Ci

NHTSA 20V018000Jan 15, 2020Airbags292,948 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant 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 passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
NHTSA 15V318000May 28, 2015Airbags419,235 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Airbags complaints by 330Ci model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

200520 (61%)
200626 (76%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are airbag complaints on the 2006 BMW 330Ci?: Airbags make up 26 of the 34 total complaints filed for this model year, or 76% of all complaints.
Is there a recall for the 2006 BMW 330Ci airbags?: Yes. NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls, campaign 20V018000 and campaign 15V318000, both involving the front passenger airbag, with dealers replacing it free of charge.
At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for airbag complaints on this model year is 88,500 miles.
Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this component shows 1 crash and 3 injuries reported among the airbag complaints.
Were parts available to fix the recalled airbags?: Several owners reported that replacement parts for the recall remedy were unavailable for extended periods, delaying repairs.