2011 BMW X5 Airbag Problems

Which parts fail

• Sensor › Occupant classification
  2
• Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger
  1

Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  213%
• 25k–50k
  17%
• 50k–75k
  533%
• 75k–100k
  320%
• 100k–150k
  213%
• 150k+
  213%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 BMW X5 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

To Whom It May Concern. Please help me on this. I purchased a BMW x5 that needed recalls installed at the BMW dealer. I purchased the vehicle, performed routine preventative maintenance, new tires, new brakes, full detail, shampooed the interior, and full wash, etc. When I took my BMW to the dealer, the BMW dealer installed the recalled items, but did not install or replace the defective FRM footwell module that controls the electric windows, signals, headlights, emergency flashers, and all the interior lights. Per BMW service manager, this FRM is defective from the factory because the FRM does not have a relay or fuse disconnect that protects the FRM from current surges or spikes. The manner and area that this FRM was mounted into the BMW x5 chassis makes this FRM electronic module highly susceptible to being damaged or become defective due to no fault of the vehicle driver or owner. …

Me and my kids were driving our 2011 BMW X5, we went to a full stop on the freeway, a semi was driving too fast behind us, the semi was on its way to crushing me and my three daughters in the car. We tried to move out of its way and crashed in the car infront of us as there was no place to go. The one second decision was the toughest decision I had to take in my life, either the semi is going to kill us all I I can crash in the car front of us to avoid death, we were relying on the airbag to save our life, the airbag didn't deploy, accident occurred on July 17th. Thankfully the airbag did not deploy or we would've been all dead from the defective BMW airbag, yesterday (July 31st) we received a letter from the dmv that we need to contact BMW to replace the defective airbag. What if the airbag deployed that day? How much is a human life worth? …

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated the vehicle was emitting a burning odor coming from both inside and outside of the vehicle when driving. The contact stated that after stopping then attempting to accelerate the vehicle, the vehicle would hesitate. In addition, the vehicle jerked when turning or decelerating. On a separate occasion, the air bag warning light flashed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (roadshow BMW, address: 405 n germantown pkwy #6207, cordova, tn 38018, phone: [phone]) who informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V746000 (fuel system, gasoline), as well as, the recalls for the air bags and engine (NHTSA campaign numbers unknown). The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who referred the contact to NHTSA to file a complaint. The approximate failure mileage 190,000.

I purchased car 2011-sole owner dealer state replaces engine pulley bolt 2012? Driving in dark and rain in mountains nc 1/24/17. All of a sudden lost ability to steer without a lot of force. Then got dash errors "charging malfunction", "engine overheating" transmission failure "no ABS" "drive cautiously ""turn off engine". I could not turn steering wheel hard enough to get off road. Pulled barely to side and turned engine off. Completely stranded and scared to death. Same broken bolt to be replaced. This is lethal situation and I am stuck with a killer car. Cannot afford to dump it. This car has required towing several times for engine failure that was "repaired". But I don't know what was done. In prior separate incident I was driving along engine light came on car sputtered and stopped-required towing. And Takata recall also still waiting for airbags shoot shards. …

One week after I purchaseed BMW X5, the airbag light switched on my dashboard while I was driving on highway and igot a massage saying"fault in passenger restraint system affecting airbag, belt tensioner or belt force limiter. Continue to wear seat belt. Please contact the nearest BMW center."as my car has been affected by the recall, a BMW dealer will fix the airbag problem free of charge. My BMW doesn't have to have an existing warranty to be covered by a recall. Today 1/27/2020 I went to the BMW dealer in edison for the recall, after 6 hours I received the car and the airbag light still on ???? I asked the employee why the airbag still on? He answered me " we changed the parts but to turne this light off you will pay for it " I asked how much? He said around $400??? I didn't agree and left the dealer with the airbag light on. …

Tl* Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle was towed to a dealer (BMW 6655 coliseum blvd, alexandria, la 71303 [phone]) to be serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 19V017000 (air bags). After the recall remedy was performed, the vehicle was towed back to the contacts residence however the check engine warning light was illuminated along with a note from the dealer indicating that the engine was at a 50% capacity and that the vehicle needed to be returned at the dealer. The contact called the same dealer when it was informed that the drive shaft needed to be replaced under an extended warranty but after calling on a later time the dealer then informed the contact that they would be responsible for the cost of repairs. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that they would investigate the issue however then declined to cover any repair costs. …

I received notice of the driver's side airbag recall in March of 2016, and just learned that the passenger's side airbag was recalled in May of 2016. All efforts to learn status of parts availability have gone unrespondeded to. I bought this car as a result of the representations which were made to me by BMW and their agents regarding the car's safety and reliability. Knowing that there is not a date in sight to perform the repairs necessary to correct this unreasonably dangerous condition, I have attempted to trade my vehicle in and purchase a replacement vehicle. Two dealers have informed me that they cannot accept the trade-in because of the recalls. This is totally unacceptable. I am stuck with a vehicle which has been deemed to be unreasonably dangerous for the foreseeable future. The economic consequences of this defect should fall on the manufacturer and not the consumer.

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 BMW X5. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving at an unknown speed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine pulley serpentine belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact also received notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 16V071000 (air bags) and 16V364000 (air bags) however, the parts for the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced any failure related to the recalls. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 160,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Takata recall. We have a terrible track record with the two local dealers, as they do not do work that they say they do. They also make it very difficult to get cars into service and back again. I do not want to deal with them again. They have zero respect for the law, the car shows the "Audi auto accelerate problem" when coming off the freeway and I parking lots. The car was delivered in a state where it could not be driven on the street legally, and they had the gall to demand that we sign a waiver which we did to do. They had to fix the legal issues the car had.

I am hearing a buzzing sound from the center of my steering wheel when I park my X5 and the sound seems to continue after I shut down the engine. My X5 has an airbag recall outstanding for almost a full year, but my dealer has offered neither replacement nor any explanation for the delay. The buzzing sound is new, and is intermittent in nature. My family is afraid to be in the car.

Related recalls

NHTSA investigations

Airbag complaints in other X5 years