2018 BMW 5 Series Air Bags
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
It keeps coming up with the error message passenger restraint system malfunction
i have read all the forums and there are many complaints on this same safety issue and why hasn't a recall been issued? Passenger restraint system light stay on !
It appears that the dealer has disabled my passenger side air bag system. The car is available for inspection. The safety of any front passenger is at risk as the system has been disabled by the dealer after a 'vehicle check' that occurred during routine maintenance. The problem (airbag system disabled) has been confirmed by the same BMW dealer that performed the service. The vehicle has not had additional inspections. Prior to this problem, an alert/message would indicate the passenger would need to buckle up. Never was a passenger in the seat, I would move the groceries, backpack, water bottle, etc to the floor and message would dismiss itself. This message to buckle up has been appearing since the car was purchased as a certified BMW from a BMW dealer. Recently, I took my car into the BMW dealer that I typically go for scheduled, routine maintenance. The maintenance consisted of an oil change, oil filter change, air filter change, and vehicle check. When I started the car after picking it up, a chime sounded and a warning message was displayed that says "Passenger restraint system malfunction: Contact BMW Carefully drive to the closest service center. Passenger restraint system is limited. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt." Additionally, a red air bad light is displayed on the dash board instrument cluster. Every time the car is started the chime sounds and these message is displayed. Dealer is requesting 2,000-2,500 to replace a part - meanwhile system was dealer disabled. Please note this issue has occurred in the past with BMW SRS systems, and a recall resolved the issue.
Passenger restraint system Malfunction. L
The occupant sensor in the driver seat has failed, triggering an airbag warning. This car is only 6 years old, and the cost of the part/labor to repair it is $2500.
I parked my car and there were not any lights on the showing. When I returned to my car about an hour later 2 lights were shown (1) 4 wheel drive and (2) Passenger restraint system. I am concerned about the passenger restraint system because until I can get this repaired, no one can use the passenger seat because of this safety issue.
The car is reporting that there is a passenger restraint system malfunction. When there is a passenger in the front seat, the airbag is disable.
My passenger restraint system randomly faults. Problem with passenger seat mat. Many BMW owners have reported the issue. Should be recalled by BMW.
The vehicle throws a “passenger restraint system malfunction” every 5 minutes while driving. Based on discussions on bmw forums, this is a common issue among several models of BMW. The issue seems to be caused by loose wires/sensors beneath a he passenger seat.
Passenger restraint warning light continues to illuminate intermittently after services were performed to remedy. Dealer diagnosis showed the seat module had moisture. Dried out. Worked ok for a few months then reoccurred. Next mechanic diagnosed faulty CIS seat box. Replaced the module. Worked ok for a few months then reoccurred.
BMW has had known issues with its passenger seat safety sensors failing. These are expensive repairs exceeding $2,000+ and happen frequently with the 2018 - 2020 BMW 5 Series. My 2018 BMW 530e has had this sensor fail with regular usage. There hasn't been an abnormal exposure to moisture (I live in Utah, a very dry climate) and so the vulnerability of this technology and the cost associated with it's upkeep and it's necessity for basic safety, means BMW should own up to ensuring that this has better and more reliable craftsmanship.
There is a sensor that has malfunctioned under the passenger seat. This passenger restraint sensor is meant to detect a person in the seat so the airbag can deploy. The problem is that I’m Oder to fix this send the cost is over $2,000. It’s not concerned by BMW although it’s part of their safety design.
I get the message “Passanger Restraint System Failure” at random times.
The passenger restraint system warning along with the airbag warning is displayed on the screen as a defect.
- Passenger Airbag and passenger restrain system malfunction. - Malfunction of passenger airbag not deploying during accident even passenger seat is occupied with recommend weight. - Issues has been reported to Dealer. In turn dealer responds to as "External Factors" with issue could be presence of moisture in the seat. - Passenger Airbag light illuminates - Warning was never consistent. After reporting to dealership warning stays permanent and advised to replace seat mat sensor. - This has been a know issue over a decade and 2017-2018 manufactured BMW 5 series (G30). - This is clearly a poor material and workmanship costing people life's.
Vehicle reports "Passenger restraint system malfunction" upon startup, even when passenger is not in seat. Passenger airbag light turns on. In this state the vehicle defaults to deploying the passenger airbag no matter what, even if passenger weighs less than 45 lbs. BMW of North Scottsdale inspected and recommends replacing the passenger seat sensor mat for $3600, not covered outside of factory warranty.
Trend Over Time
Complaints by year
Other Issues
Common problems reported
Quick Summary
The 2018 BMW 5 Series has 16 Air Bags complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.