Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 BMW X3 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving at mid-range speed, another vehicle ran a two-way stop sign and hit the front end of the vehicle. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. A police report was filed. The contact and his wife were taken to the hospital where his wife was treated for an injury to her foot (foot location unknown) and the contact was treated for the pain in his back and neck. He was also treated for respiratory issues related to his defibrillator. The whereabouts of the other driver were unknown. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was deemed a total loss by his insurance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH the vehicle T-bone crashed into the side of a tractor trailer. During the crash the front driver side and passenger side airbags did not deploy. The driver sustained head, neck, back and internal injuries and the front passenger sustained head, neck, back and leg injuries. No further information was available. Both occupants were transported to the hospital. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle towed away. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 127,000.
I'm writing to escalate an unresolved issue following a recent airbag takata recall repair performed at BMW of Manhattan on my 2007 BMW X3 VIN [redacted] ) , license [redacted] Prior to the recall service, there were no airbag or SRS warning lights on my dashboard. Immediately after the repair, however, the airbag light appeared, and I have since been informed by the dealership that it is unrelated to their work and my responsibility to address - despite this issue arising only after their service. This raises serious safety and liability concerns, especially considering the recall involved the airbag system. I respectfully request: A formal investigation into the cause of the warning light A no-cost diagnostic scan by the dealer to confirm or rule out installation error Assistance in resolving the issue promptly under BMW's recall and warranty obligations. …
1. My car is very old and has 189,000 miles. Takata airbag recalls are now known and issued by the NHSTA, it shows that I have 6 recalls and BMW does not see the recalls. As well as my brakes they are super soft and the only thing I did for the brakes is replace new brake pads they are OEM and also my emergency parking brakes are not working. It is avaible for inspection. 2. My safety while driving the car is at risk because I dont know if the airbag will work or fail at any moment. 3. The problem has not been solved and BMW Seattle states that, "We do not see any recalls, and I am not saying that there isn't but because of the age of the car I don't know." BMW Seattle service receptionist states. 4. The vehichle has not been inspected for any safety recalls or notices. I have tried to call them about the safety and they always deny and say I dont know. 5. …
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 17V683000 (engine and engine cooling), 17V605000 (air bags), and 16V071000 (air bags). While driving at unknown speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor of plastic emerging from the vents. Additionally, smoke entered the vehicle through the ventilation system when the air conditioner was activated and the check engine indicator illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified and informed the contact that she must ship the vehicle to honolulu, hi to an authorized BMW dealer at her expense. The manufacturer further stated that she would be reimbursed when the recall repairs were completed. …
Tl* the contact owned a 2007 BMW X3 sav. The contact was a passenger in the vehicle. The driver responsible for the crash side swiped another vehicle and then crossed over to the far right lane striking the vehicle, the contact was in and rolled over. None of the air bags deployed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard where it was deemed destroyed. A police report was filed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. There were two injuries that required medical attention the contact's left hand was crushed and required four surgeries. The contact endured one and a half years of occupational therapy, post concussion brain damage, and ptsd therapy. Due to the crash, the contact no longer had proper functionality of the left hand. The driver of the vehicle had to get stitches on the top of the head. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags). …
I call the brooklynbmw dealer to schedule a recall repair on three items for my truck and I was told it would takes days for the repairs and I would have to get my own means of transportation during this time even after I stated I have an elderly mother whom lives with me and that I would need some type of transportation during that time and was told there was no loaner car to offer me and that I would have to pay $40 a day for a rental car. This is an inconvience since I should not be responsible for out of pocket expense for the companys negligence of defective/cheap/recalled auto parts. My car is drivable and the inconvience is not of my fault.
A warning code is triggered that affects the operation of the airbag. The warning code is passenger seat occupancy sensor. The airbag light in the dash flashes on and off randomly whether there is someone in the seat or not. It does not matter whether the passenger side seat belt is fastened or not. BMW has a recall for earlier years of this same problem on this vehicle, but not for this year which also has quite a few of these failures. Obviously they have not fixed this problem and need to recall all vehicles with similar occupancy seat sensors that affect the airbag.
Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2007 BMW X3. The contact stated that NHTSA campaign number: 16V071000 (air bags) exceeded a reasonable amount of time for repair. The contact received the recall notification in July of 2017. The dealer (BMW north scottsdale, 18018 n scottsdale rd, phoenix, az 85054) stated that the parts were unavailable for the repair. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact stated that the air bag indicator remained illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Recall campaign no. 17v-605: front passenger seat occupant detection mat - no remedy available. Contacted BMW on 12/4/17 who advised they have no idea when one will be available. Advised to check back in six months. This has rendered my front passenger seat unusable once again (Takata recall). This is unacceptable to leave customers in limbo for months and years in the case of Takata. I have been unable to use my passenger seat on this vehicle for more than two years.
Related recalls
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,…
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.
Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2010 BMW X3 2.5i, X3 3.0i and X3 xDrive30i Sports Activity Vehicles. 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.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed on November 27, 2017.
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2008-2013 128i and 135i coupes and convertibles and 1 Series M coupes, 2006-2011 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 328i xDrive, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi, 335i xDrive Sedans, 2009-2011 335d sedans, 2006-2012 325xiT, 328i and 328xi sports wagons, 2007-2013 328i, 328xi, 328i…
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module or inflator depending on the vehicle model, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018.
NHTSA investigations
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Airbag complaints in other X3 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2007 BMW X3?
NHTSA has 78 complaints about the air bags of the 2007 BMW X3, 30% of the model year's 258 complaints. The component named most often is frontal › sensor/control module (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2007 BMW X3 airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 20V-017 (inflator module, Jan 15, 2020); NHTSA recall 17V-605 (occupant classification, Sep 28, 2017); NHTSA recall 16V-071 (inflator module, Feb 5, 2016). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 BMW X3 airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 96,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 1 fire and 6 injuries to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.