87 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 75,000–90,000 miles.
Most common 2006 BMW 325Xi problems
63 of the 110 complaints (57%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
59
0
0
0
Steering
13
0
0
0
Electrical System
9
0
1
1
Latches/Locks/Linkages · door locks and latches
4
0
0
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
4
0
0
0
Unknown or Other
3
0
1
0
Engine
3
0
0
0
Visibility/Wiper · wipers
2
0
0
0
Tires
2
0
0
0
Engine and Engine Cooling · engine
2
0
0
0
6 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module24V513000
Filed Jul 3, 2024394,029 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module20V017000
Filed Jan 15, 202059,965 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Crankcase (pcv)19V273000
Filed Apr 4, 2019184,505 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006 525i, 525xi, 530i, 530xi, 530xi Sports Wagon, 325i, 325xi, 325xi Sports Wagon, 330i, 330xi, Z4 3.0i and Z4 3.0si vehicles. The heater for the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve may short circuit.
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the PCV valve heater, free of charge. The recall began May 30, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall is an expansion to recall 17V-683.
Filed Oct 25, 2017702,965 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2006-2011 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 328xi, 330i, 330xi, 335i, 335xi and M3, 2007-2011 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive and 335is and 2009-2011 335d vehicles. The wiring and electrical connectors for the system that controls air flow for the heating and air conditioning system may overheat.
Risk. Wiring that overheats could cause the electrical connectors to melt, and increase the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is unattended.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wiring and electrical connectors, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed on November 27, 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification17V428000
Filed Jul 6, 20172,158 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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.
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification13V564000
Filed Nov 12, 201376,565 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. 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].
All 6 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Jan 10, 2026MI
My vehicle was parked in the driveway in front of my house and had not been driven for several days. I walked outside and noticed the engine fan was running so I opened the driver‘s door and noticed white smoke coming from the glove box compartment. I opened the glove box and noted a small fire which within a matter of approximately five minutes had turned into a full-blown fire throughout the vehicle I was able to call 911 and have a fire department here before my house caught on fire although it did damage the siding on the front of the house and the tail light and rear passenger fender area of the Polaris razor
Air Bags
Filed Jan 10, 2025TN
[XXX] . I have a 2006 BMW e91, but mine is not listed for recall above in the link. Currently have a fault for occupant detection malfunction. I also have sports seats listed in the above document. The sensor will say active when no one is sitting in the seat which is a safety concern. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Air Bags
Filed Sep 3, 2024NM
The contact owned a 2006 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V513000 (Air Bags) and 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 29, 2022IL
Intermittently on startup/ignition, car electrical shuts completely down. No power to anything and key fob becomes locked in the ignition. After a few minutes the electrical comes back on on its own. This usually only happens in park on startup, however on one occasion, the electrical shut off for about 5 seconds as I was driving 70 MPH on the highway. Car went totally dark and I was fortunately able to control the wheel until power came back.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 30, 2022IL
I purchased a used car that now has a passenger restraint sensor warning. Please fulfill a recall as this is a recurring issue with bmw
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Jun 15, 2022PA
The contact owns a 2006 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V119000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 17, 2020CT
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V017000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS FOR THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Electrical System
Filed Jan 17, 2020110,000 milesMN
WHEN THE IBS IS PLUGGED IN IT DRAINS THE BATTERY FAST , THEN IT WON'T START UNLESS I UNPLUG THE B+ BLUE PLUG , THEN PLUG THE B+ CABLE BACK IN AFTER STARTED SO THE VALVETRONIC ECCENTRIC SHAFT MOTOR HAS POWER , OTHERWISE IT GOES INTO LIMP MODE WITHOUT IT PLUGGED IN , I THOUGHT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS BUT IT STARTS ON THE 2007 E90 I GUESS MINE IS A 2006 .
Air Bags
Filed Aug 11, 2019190,000 milesVA
THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A MAJOR RECALL FOR MOST 2006 326XI MODELS THAT NEEDS TO BE ALSO EXTENDES TO MY VEHICLE. IT IS OBVIOUSLY AN ISSUE ON OTHER MODELS, AND THE MANUFSCTURER NEEDS TO CORRECT THIS BEFORE PEOPLE ARE HARMED SINCE BY DEFAULT THE MODULE ASSUMES NOONE IS SITTING THERE AND WILL NOT DEPLOY.
Engine
Filed Dec 18, 2018DE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN UNKNOWN WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHILE DRIVING, AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN THE ENGINE WAS STARTED. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO UNION PARK BMW (1900 PENNSYLVANIA AVE, WILMINGTON, DE 19806, (302) 658-7245) SEVERAL TIMES PERTAINING TO THE FAILURES. A TECHNICIAN WAS SENT TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN IF THERE WAS AN INTERNAL ELECTRICAL FAILURE, WHICH COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO POTENTIALLY STALL AND/OR CATCH ON FIRE. THE TECHNICIAN INDICATED THAT THE MICRO-FILTER NEEDED TO BE CHANGED, BUT THE PART WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 23, 2018152,000 milesNC
TAKATA AIR BAGS MY AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON, MY CAR IS EFFECTED BY THE RECALL BUT WHEN I RUN THE VIN # IT'S NOT SHOWING UP. IT'S A SAFETY PROBLEM AND I'M AFRAID THE AIR BAGS WILL DEPLOY WHILE DRIVING.
Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood
Filed Jun 22, 2018NC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. SALE BMW (1053 US-258, KINSTON, NC 28504, (252) 520-2380) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 7, 2018MA
LEFT BLINKER REPEATEDLY KEEPS NOT WORKING, HAVE HAD IT REPAIRED NUMEROUS TIMES AND IT KEEPS NOT WORKING?
Structure › Body
Filed Feb 2, 2018135,000 milesCA
DOOR ACTUATOR FAILURE. DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE UNLESS YOU USE THE PHYSICAL KEY, WILL NOT OPEN FROM INSIDE ONCE IT LOCKS AND YOU MUST CLIMB OVER SEAT TO EXIT BACK OR PASSENGER DOORS. SOMETIMES DOOR WILL UNLOCK IF YOU ROLL DOWN THE WINDOW AND USE THE KEY ON THE OUTSIDE LOCK BUT USUALLY THAT DOES NOT WORK. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE, YOU COULD BE TRAPPED INSIDE THE CAR IN AN EMERGENCY. DOORS LOCK AUTOMATICALLY AT 5 MPH OR SO AND YOU ARE LOCKED INSIDE WITH A HANDLE THAT DOES NOT WORK.
Electrical System
Filed Dec 29, 2017131,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V676000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (NIELLO BMW, 2020 FULTON AVE, SACRAMENTO, CA 95825, (916) 486-1011) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 131,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Visibility/Wiper
Filed Dec 28, 2017100,002 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. WHILE DRIVING UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE HEATER BLOWER FAILED TO DISBURSE AIR AND THE PANEL INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (ERHARD BMW OF BLOOMFIELD, 1845 S TELEGRAPH RD, BLOOMINGFIELD HILLS, MI 48302) AND WAS ADVISED TO SCHEDULE A SERVICE APPOINTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF *TR
Air Bags
Filed Nov 22, 201755,000 milesCT
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED, WHICH INDICATED A POSSIBLE FAILURE WITH THE AIR BAGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT WAS FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT LATER RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE LOCAL DEALER (HOFFMAN BMW IN WATERTOWN, CT) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 7, 2017IA
PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT JUST CAME ON. FOUND NUMEROUS ARTICLES ON INTERNET AND NHTSA RECALLS FOR "FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT DEFECT". I CONTACTED BMW AND WAS ADVISED THAT THERE WAS NO RECALL FOR MY VIN, HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE IDENTICAL TO THE NUMEROUS OTHER COMPLAINTS.
Air Bags
Filed Nov 3, 2017NC
THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR IN MY 2006 BMW IS DEFECTIVE WHETHER THE CAR IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY BUT ONLY WHEN THE CAR IS ON. MAKING THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS TURNED OFF DURING THE EVENT OF A CRASH, MANY OTHER 2006 BMWS LIKE MINE ARE AFFECTED WITH THIS ISSUE. A RECALL HAS BEEN DONE FOR BMWS FOR MODELS 2007 AND NEWER BUT NOT FOR THE 2006 MODEL YEAR. A RECALL NEEDS TO BE DONE FOR THIS YEAR MAKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AND PASSENGERS RIDING IN THIS CAR.
Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2017210,000 milesOH
WHILE DRIVING CAR WILL INTERMITTENTLY AND BRIEFLY EXPERIENCE FULL ELECTRONIC OUTAGE CAUSING THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER, VEHICLE LIGHTS, AND ELECTRONIC STEERING COLUMN LOCK TO ENGAGE. AS SOON AS THE ELECTRONIC POWER RETURNS SERVICE LIGHTS DISPLAY ON THE DASHBOARD UNTIL I STOP, FULLY POWER OFF THE VEHICLE WITH THE IGNITION BUTTON AND RESTART THE CAR. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED AT DRIVING SPEEDS RANGING BETWEEN 15 AND 70 MPH, FORTUNATELY WHILE DRIVING STRAIGHT. IF I OR ANYONE ELSE WOULD HAPPEN TO BE IN A TURN AND THE ELECTRONIC STEERING WHEEL LOCK ENGAGE THE RESULTS COULD POTENTIALLY BE LIFE THREATENING. THIS VEHICLE IS A PRIOR DEALER LEASE THEN SOLD TO A RENTAL COMPANY THEN PURCHASED BY ME. THE VEHICLE REMAINS UNMODIFIED AND HAS BEEB MAINTAINED AND SERVICED WITH ALL OEM OR EQUIVALENT PARTS.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 11, 2017VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND REMAINED LIT. THE CONTACT CALLED BMW OF LYNCHBURG (LOCATED AT 2643 LAKESIDE DR LYNCHBURG, VA 24501) WHO STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND VIN WERE UNKNOWN.
Air Bags
Filed May 24, 2017GA
BOTH OF THE AIR BAGS, DRIVERS AND PASSENGER TURNED OFF AND I FEEL VERY UNSAFE DRIVING MY CAR. I CHECKED ONLINE AND MY CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THEM.HOWEVER MY SPECIFIC VIN FOR MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE A RECALL ALTHOUGH IT HAS THE SAME PROBLEMS WITH THE AIRBAGS
Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear
Filed May 16, 2017114,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE OPENING THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW, THE GLASS WENT OFF TRACK AND FELL INTO THE DOOR PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO OCCUR. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE HAD OCCURRED ONCE ON THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW AND THREE TIMES ON THE REAR DRIVER SIDE WINDOWS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 13, 2017PA
I AM LODGING A COMPLAINT AGAINST BMW USA. I HAVE BEEN CALLING AND WRITING BMW FOR THE PAST 2 YEARS PLEADING FOR THEM TO REPLACE MY RECALLED AIRBAG. BMW FIRST SENT ME A NOTICE REGARDING MY RECALLED TAKATA AIRBAG 2 1/2 YEARS AGO. BMW HAS STILL NOT REPLACED MY AIRBAG, STATING LACK OR AVAILABLE PARTS AS THE REASON THEY WILL NOT REPLACE MY AIRBAG. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY LIFE THREATENING DEFECT. THEY HA BE HAD 2 1/2 YEARS TO REMEDY THIS PROBLEM ON MY CAR, AND STILL REFUSE TO DO SO. PLEASE HELP BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS SERIOUSLY INJURED. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Air Bags
Filed Mar 30, 2017160,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THE AIR BAG AND OIL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE TWO MANUFACTURERS RECALL RELATED TO THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. UPDATED 06/07/17*LJ *AS
Air Bags
Filed Dec 20, 2016108,500 milesMA
I HAVE RECEIVED A SENSOR LIGHT STATING THAT I HAVE A PASSENGER RESTRAINT MALFUNCTION. THEN IT GOES AWAY AFTER A FEW DAYS UNTIL SOMEONE ELSE SITS DOWN WHICH WOULD LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THAT IT HAS TO DO WITH THE PRESSURE SENSOR MAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE READ THAT THIS HAPPENS TO BE A RECALL FOR BMW BUT MY VIN APPARENTLY IS NOT COVERED IN THE RECALL. I AM EXTENDING THIS COMPLAINT IN THE HOPES THAT BMW WILL INVESTIGATE AND EXTEND THE RECALL TO MORE MODELS WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Steering
Filed Dec 8, 2016107,930 milesMA
THIS PAST WEEK A YELLOW PADLOCK POPPED UP ON MY DASHBOARD WHEN I WENT TO START MY CAR. UPON FUTURE RESEARCH I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IT IS A FAULT WITH THE ELECTRIC WHEEL LOCK. I HAVE YET TO FIND OUT WHAT THE ROUTE CAUSE YET BUT FROM WHAT I HAVE SEEN, THIS ISSUE IS WIDE SPREAD AND MANY CASES LEAD TO THE CAR NOT STARTING OR THE WHEELS LOCKING UP. THIS COULD COST UPWARDS OF $1500 TO REPLACE THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN. I AM AFRAID IF THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN, IT COULD NOT ONLY PREVENT MY CAR FROM STARTING (AS IT HAS WITH MANY OTHER CASES), BUT COULD CAUSE MY STEERING TO LOCK UP WHILE I AM DRIVING. THIS IS SOMETHING I CAN BARELY AFFORD TO FIX, BUT ABSOLUTELY CAN'T AFFORD NOT TO. PLEASE LOOK INTO THIS. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Sep 19, 2016300,000 milesWA
THE PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT HAS FAILED. ALTHOUGH THERE IS A RECALL FOR THE SAME MODEL, SEAT TYPE (SPORT) AND MANUFACTURER DATE (2006/02), BMW DOES NOT CONSIDER OUR CAR PART OF THE RECALL. RECALL CAMPAIGN 13V-564: E90, E91 FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT MODEL E90 (3 SERIES SEDAN) E91 (3 SERIES SPORTS WAGON) ONLY VEHICLES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SPORT SEAT PRODUCED FROM DECEMBER 2005 TO SEPTEMBER 2006 BMW HAS DECIDED TO AMEND THE 2008 VOLUNTARY RECALL (NHTSA ID: 08V-384) INVOLVING THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR MAT.
Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Aug 22, 201695,000 milesVA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. WHEN THE AIR CONDITIONER WAS ACTIVATED, SMOKE FILLED THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE. FLAMES APPEARED AND THE VEHICLE EXPLODED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND FILED A REPORT. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BURNS TO THE HAND, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 95,000.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 20, 20161,000,000 milesNY
THIS VEHICLE HAS AN ELECTRONIC LOCK OUT ON THE STEERING WHEEL THAT PREVENT THE STEERING FROM UNLOCKING AS THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTS TO START THE ENGINE. THE CODE READ OUT TO BE A115 OR A116. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE AND BMW HAS NOT BEEN ASKED BY NHTSA TO RECALL. PLEASE WORKS WITH BMW TO REMEDY THIS FAULTY ON THEIR DESIGN. THE FOLLOWING DESIGN WAS REMOVED FROM STEERING COLUMN AS BMW KNOWN THIS IS A PROBLEM FROM START. THIS PROBLEM OCCURS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN PARK AND REFUSES TO RELEASE THE STEERING COLUMN.
Steering
Filed Jun 25, 201689,000 milesTX
FIRST TIME I NOTICED THE ELV STEERING WHEEL LOCK MALFUNCTION. I JUST PARKED MY CAR, TURNED OFF ENGINE, AND TOOK OUT THE KEY FOB. I NOTICED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER A PICTURE OF A STEERING WHEEL AND A PAD LOCK. SO I PUT THE KEY FOB BACK IN THE SLOT AND THE CAR WOULDN'T START. THEN TRYING COUPLE TIMES TAKING OUT & PUTTING THE KEY FOB IN THE IGNITION SLOT AND TURNING THE WHEEL LEFT AND RIGHT, THE CAR FINALLY STARTED.
Air Bags
Filed Apr 15, 201656,000 milesNJ
MY AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT IS ON. THE BMW DEALERSHIP WILL NOT PROVIDE ME ANY INFORMATION AS TO THE MAKER OF THE AIRBAG OTHER THAN TELLING ME IT'S NOT ONE OF THE RECALLED TANAKA AIRBAGS. MANY OTHER BMW MODELS OF THE SAME YEAR HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR DEFECTIVE TANAKA AIRBAGS, SO I'M NOT REASSURED BY THEIR RESPONSE . A FRIEND WITH SAME YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL OF BMW SUFFERED PERMANENT EYE DAMAGE WHEN HIS AIRBAG DEPLOYED UNEXPECTEDLY IN SLOW MOVING COLLISION. I AM AFRAID OF THE SAME CONSEQUENCES. BMW, AS WELL AS OTHER MANUFACTURERS, SHOULD BE ABLE TO PROVIDE CUSTOMERS PROOF THAT A TANAKA, OR SIMILAR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG, WAS NOT USED.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 5, 201684,000 milesNJ
BMW 3 SERIES, 2006, E90 BODY TYPE. AFTER INSERTING THE KEY IN THE CONTACT ALL POWER WENT OFF. I EXPERIENCED TWICE SUCH COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER, FOR THE ENTIRE VEHICLE: ENGINE, DOORS, LIGHTS AND EVEN THE KEY CANNOT BE REMOVED FROM CONTACT. ONCE I TOUCHED THE BATTERY WITH A VOLTMETER AND MEASURED THE VOLTAGE (THAT WAS PERFECT) THE POWER CAME BACK. THOUGH AFTER THE POWER WAS RESTORED WHILE DRIVING TO DEALERSHIP THE CAR STARTED TO BEHAVE ERRATICALLY, WINDSHIELD WIPERS STARTING BY THEMSELVES, RADIO TURNING ON AND OFF, NOISE IN THE BACK OF THE CAR ( EITHER SPEAKERS OR ELECTRIC). DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSIS IDENTIFIED THE CONNECTOR ON POWER CABLE BETWEEN THE BATTERY AND THE ENGINE AS THE CAUSE OF THE TOTAL POWER LOSS. THE CABLE CONNECTOR APPEARS TO BE ALMOST ENTIRELY CORRODED. INCIDENTALLY THIS VERY CABLE WAS SUBJECT OF BMW VOLUNTARY RECALL BUT ONLY FOR VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER 2007 ( RCDNN-13V044-8968(1).PDF ). THOUGH IN MY CASE IT APPEARS TO BE THE OTHER END OF THE SAME CABLE THAT IS OUTSIDE OF THE CAR BODY, EXPOSED TO CORROSION. THE PART NUMBER CABLE SUBJECT OF THE RECALL APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN INSTALLED ALSO ON 2005 AND 2006 BMW 3XX MODELS THOUGH THEY WERE NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 27, 201698,000 milesCA
THE PASSENGER AIRBAGS AND/OR ITS COMPONENTS NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WAS A 10 YEAR EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT IT SHOULD BE RECALLED. I WAS 1 MONTH LATE OVER THE RECALL. AFTER MULTIPLE CALLS TO BMW NORTH AMERICA, THEY REFUSE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS. EVERY TIME A PASSENGER SITS IN THE CAR, THE AIR BAG ERROR CODE GOES ON IN THE DASHBOARD. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG OFF LIGHT STAYS ON (STATIONARY AND MOVING) AND POSSIBLY COMPROMISING ALL OTHER AIRBAG SYSTEMS. ALSO, THERE ARE SOME SITUATIONS WHERE THE AIR BAG ERROR CODE STAYS ON EVEN WHEN THE PASSENGER EXITS THE VEHICLE. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD THAT NEEDS TO BE RECALLED IMMEDIATELY!
Air Bags
Filed Jan 12, 2016145,000 milesNJ
PASSENGER SIDE SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT HAS FAILED AND NEEDS REPLACEMENT ACCORDING TO THE DEALER. CAR HARDLY EVER HAS A PASSENGER YET MAT DETERIORATED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE FOR SAME MODEL YEAR BUT MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED AND MORE THAN LIKELY SHOULD BE.
Engine
Filed Oct 25, 2015150,000 milesME
FOUND OUT TODAY, AFTER MAY ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE A NOISE IN THE FRONT END. THE RIGHT FRONT MOTOR MOUNTS BOLTS HAD BROKEN, CAUSING THE ENGINE TO MOVE VERY FREELY INSIDE THE ENGINE. THIS WAS ONLY FOUND OUT AFTER A COMPLETE RIGHT FROM DRIVE AXLE FAILURE DUE TOT HE POSITION OF THE ENGINE CAUSING THE CV BOOT TO RUB THE SUB FRAME. THIS CAUSED A COMPLETE LOSS OF CV GREASE, AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF THE CV JOINT. THE CV JOINT THEN PROCEED TO GRENADE WHILE DRIVING OVER SOME RAIL ROAD TRACKS. THE OUTER AXLE THEN DROVE ITSELF INTO THE GROUND CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO RISE, AND LOSS OF CONTROL FOR A BRIEF MOMENT. THE CAR CAR TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. UPON FURTHER INVESTIGASTION I FOUND THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT WITHT HE MOTOR MOUNT BOLTS SHEERING OFF FLUSH TO THE ENGINE.
Steering
Filed Oct 7, 2015114,000 milesOK
AFTER WORK YESTERDAY WHEN I TRIED TO START MY CAR, THE YELLOW LOCKED STEERING LIGHT CAME ON AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START. AFTER I JERKED ON THE STEERING WHEEL, THE LIGHT WENT OFF AND THE CAR STARTED. WHILE ON MY WAY HOME, ON THE HIGHWAY, THE STEERING LOCKED AGAIN AND THE RED LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS GOING ABOUT 75 MPH AT THIS TIME. I HIT THE CLUTCH AND BRAKES AND JERKED THE WHEEL AGAIN CAUSING IT TO RELEASE. LUCKILY IT WAS NOT RUSH HOUR. IT HAS BEEN PARKED EVER SINCE. IT HAS 114K MILES.
Air Bags
Filed May 4, 201560,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG WOULD NOT ACTIVATE WHEN THE PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE DEALER ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED THAT, IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE AIR BAGS WOULD POSSIBLY NOT DEPLOY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering
Filed Apr 27, 201573,000 milesMD
I WAS UNABLE TO START VEHICLE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCKED, THERE WAS AN AMBER STEERING WHEEL SYMBOL BEING DISPLAYED. AFTER SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS, I FOUND THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM MANY DRIVERS HAVE HAD. THIS PROBLEM NEEDS TO BE FIXED AS IT IS NOT EASILY DETECTABLE AND CAN HAPPEN UNEXPECTEDLY. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Apr 26, 201595,000 milesNC
PASSENGER SEAT PAD SENSOR FAILED AND SAYS AIR BAG WILL NOT DEPLOY. EVEN THOUGH THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS MODEL, YR AND MODE OF FAILURE, THE DEALER REPORTS THAT MY VEHICLE WAS MADE 1 WEEK BEFORE THE RECALL AFFECTED VEHICLES. IS THIS TRUE AND COULD THERE HAVE BEEN AN EXCEPTION FOR 1 WEEK? REPAIR SHOP INDICATES THIS IS AN IDENTICAL FAILURE MODE TO RECALLED VEHICLES AND SEAT PAD WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. SEEMS TO BE TOO BIG OF A COINCIDENCE TO NOT ALSO BE RELATED? *TR
Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 20, 2014139,000 milesDC
PASSENGER SAT IN PASSENGER SEAT AND AIRBAG LIGHT WENT OFF. WAS TOLD BY DEALER IT WAS BECAUSE OF A BAD SENSOR MAT FOR MY MAKE AND MODEL BUT NOT MY CAR SPECIFIC.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 16, 201450,000 milesVA
THIS COMPLAINT IS REGARDING A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION ALERT/ISSUE THAT SEEMS TO BE COVERED BY A RECENT BMW RECALL I FOUND ON YOUR WEBSITE. THIS ALERT STARTED TO COME UP IN MY CAR INTERMITTENTLY ALMOST 2 YEARS AGO, BUT IT NOW STAYS ON. I HEARD ABOUT A RECALL AND WAS WAITING FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FROM BMW BUT HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY. I WENT TO THE BMW CENTER IN ALEXANDRIA, VA THIS WEEK (8/15/14) TO SEE IF THIS WAS COVERED BY THE RECALL AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS NOT. I ALSO CALLED THEIR 1-800 CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER AND WAS TOLD THE SAME THING. HOWEVER, I JUST FOUND A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS ISSUE (SEE LINK BELOW) ON THIS WEBSITE WHERE IT SPECIFICALLY INCLUDES MY MODEL YEAR CAR (BMW 2006 325XI). MY CAR IS NOW NOT PASSING VA INSPECTION DUE TO THIS ISSUE. I WAS TOLD THIS REPAIR WOULD COST OVER $2,000, WHICH I DON'T HAVE AT THIS MOMENT. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO HOW I CAN BEST EXPEDITE THE NECESSARY REPAIRS UNDER THIS RECALL, TO DEAL WITH THIS SECURITY ISSUE AND SO THAT I CAN RENEW MY INSPECTION STICKER AS REQUIRED BY VA LAW.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 12, 201440,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WEIGHT SENSORS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.....UPDATED 09-09-14 *BF UPDATED 11/18/14
Air Bags
Filed Jul 14, 201476,800 milesCA
THE AIR BAG LIGHT / OCCUPANT DETECT SENSOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT WAS DEFECTIVE. I PAID OVER $1000 TO REPAIR. MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THERE IS A SAFETY RECALL OF THE AIR BAG FRONTAL SENSOR CONTROL MODULE FOR MY VEHICLE YEAR, MAKE AND MODEL. I NEVER RECEIVED THE RECALL NOTICE AND BMW CLAIMS THE RECALL IS VIN SPECIFIC. THIS SEEMS UNSAFE AND UNFAIR AS THIS IS THE VERY PROBLEM THAT I REPAIRED. I HAVE TRAVELED THOUSANDS OF MILES TRANSPORTING MY FAMILY IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITHOUT KNOWING THAT THEY WERE NOT PROTECTED BY THE AIR BAGS. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jul 7, 2014112,000 milesTN
BMW RECALL 2006 13V564000 WAS ISSUED IN NOVEMBER OF 2013 TO RECALL THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION MAT THAT DETERMINES IF AND HOW THE PASSENGER FRONTAL AIR BAG SHOULD DEPLOY IN A CRASH BECAUSE IT MAY FATIGUE AND DEVELOP CRACKS WHICH COULD LEAD TO A SYSTEM FAILURE. MY VEHICLE, A 2006 BMW 325XI WITH WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. HOWEVER, THIS EXACT PROBLEM OCCURRED TO ME IN APRIL OF 2012. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT MAT FAILED (CRACKED) AND WOULD NOT ALLOW THE AIR BAG TO DEPLOY. THE SERVICE TEAM AT TOWNE BMW IN WILLIAMSVILLE, NY STATED "WE HAVE SEEN A LOT OF THESE" AT THAT TIME. I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT SEEMS ODD THAT THIS RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED TO A SELECT NUMBER OF VEHICLES THAT WERE AFFECTED WHEN ADDITIONAL VEHICLES, INCLUDING MINE, WERE AFFECTED BY THE SAME MANUFACTURER'S DEFECT. *JS
Air Bags
Filed Jun 30, 2014104,603 milesIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V564000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 104,603... UPDATED 08-20-14 *BF UPDATED 09/3/2014 *JS
Vehicle Speed ControlCrash
Filed Jun 7, 201470,989 milesIN
MY SON TURNED RIGHT FROM A COMPLETE STOP AT THE STOP SIGN. HE ACCELERATED TO THE APPROPRIATE SPEED PRIOR TO THE UPCOMING TURN (25MPH) HE THEN LET OFF THE GAS GOING INTO THE TURN TO COAST BEFORE BRAKING. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO 40-45 MPH DUE TO FLOOR MAT ENTRAPMENT BECAUSE THERE IS NO FLOOR MAT RETENTION SYSTEM. HE WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR AS HE TRIED TO MOVE THE FLOOR MAT AWAY FROM THE GAS PEDAL. HE THEN SLID OFF THE ROAD WHILE CONTINUING TO BRAKE, OVERCORRECTED AND WENT OFF THE OTHER SIDE AS WELL. ALL THE WHILE HE WAS TRYING TO STOP THE CAR. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jun 6, 201470,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 45 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED ONLY WHEN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE DETECTION MAT SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 74,000.
Air Bags
Filed May 27, 201480,000 milesNE
MY AIRBAG LIGHT AND SEATBELT LIGHT WERE ON RIGHT AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR I CALLED BMW AND THEY SAID THERE IS A RECALL ON THAT PROBLEM BUT MY VIN # WAS NOT INCLUDED IN IT. IF THEY KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM WHY DON'T THEY FIX IT. *TR
Air Bags
Filed May 16, 201495,000 milesIL
THE IDRIVE CONTROL PANEL IS SHOWING AN ALERT THAT THE PASSENGER AIRBAG HAS FAILED. I CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY SAY MY VIN IS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V564000 (AIR BAGS) EVEN THOUGH THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM MATCHES MY PROBLEM EXACTLY. I HAVE A 2006 BMW 325XI WITH STANDARD SEATS AND ACCORDING TO 13V564000 I SHOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR COVERAGE UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. BMW IS TELLING ME I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR THE REPAIRS. *TR
Complaints 1-50 of 110, newest first, reproduced as filed.
No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2024. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.