2006 BMW 525i Airbags Problems
Airbags account for 44 of 77 complaints (57%) filed for the 2006 BMW 525i, the top problem area for this model year. NHTSA lists two related recalls (17V428000 and 13V564000) plus an earlier campaign (08V384000) referenced by owners, and the median failure mileage was 97,750.
- Airbags complaints
- 44
- 57% of 77 complaints
- All complaints this year
- 77
- Crashes reported
- 0
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 97,750 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Passenger-restraint warning light illuminates on the dash, often accompanied by a message about belt tensioner or belt-force limiter faults.
- Owners report the seat occupancy detection mat failing, which triggers the passenger air bag off lamp or an air bag warning light.
- Some owners whose VINs were excluded from NHTSA campaign 08V384000 said dealers refused to repair the same restraint-system fault described in the recall.
- One owner reported the air bag deploying unexpectedly while the vehicle was in motion, causing a loss of power and stalling.
- One owner reported smoke and a burning plastic smell coming from the steering column and air vents while driving, prompting an evacuation of the vehicle.
- A few owners said a recommended sensor or occupancy-mat replacement was needed after the warning light stayed on.
When 2006 BMW 525i airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 4, 2011, latest Feb 4, 2021.
Airbags recalls for the 2006 BMW 525i
- NHTSA 17V428000Jul 6, 2017Airbags2,158 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America, Inc. (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi, 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, and 550i vehicles equipped with the Sport Seat option and certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i vehicles with standard seats. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began September 1, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- NHTSA 13V564000Nov 12, 2013Airbags76,565 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2006 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans and 325xi sports wagons, model year 2007 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi sedans and 328i and 328xi sports wagons, model year 2006-2007 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 550i sedans and 530xi sports wagons, model year 2006 760i sedans, model year 2006-2007 750i, 750Li, and 760Li sedans, and model year 2006 X5 sports activity vehicles, equipped with certain seat types. The front passenger seat occupant detection mat that determines if and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash may fatigue and develop cracks which could lead to a system failure.
Risk: Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners with an interim notification letter in January 2014 since parts are not currently available. When parts are available, BMW sent a second letter in August and dealers will repair the occupant detection mat to eliminate the possibility that it may crack, free of charge. Additionally, owners of model year 2006-2007 3 Series with standard seats, 5 Series with comfort seats, and Z4 models, will receive an extended warranty on their front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Owners may contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Airbags complaints by 525i model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Are airbags a common problem on the 2006 BMW 525i?
- Yes. Airbags make up 44 of the 77 complaints filed for this model year, or 57% of all complaints, the largest single problem area.
- Is there a recall for airbag issues on the 2006 BMW 525i?
- NHTSA lists two related airbag recalls, campaign 17V428000 covering the occupant detection mat and campaign 13V564000, and owner complaints reference an earlier campaign, 08V384000, for frontal air bags.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 97,750 miles for airbag complaints on this model year.
- Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this problem area records zero crashes, one fire, and one injury among the 44 airbag complaints.