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2009 BMW 335I Airbags Problems

Owner-reported complaints naming the airbag system, filed with NHTSA

Data refreshed

Airbags reportsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
29
Latest Jul 16, 2026
Share of all reportsThis category as a share of every owner report on file for this model year. One report can name more than one component, so the categories overlap.
34%
of 85 total
Crash or fire reportedReports in this category whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. The reporter's own answer on the NHTSA form, not a verified finding.
0
Injuries or deaths reportedTotals the submitters entered on their own reports in this category. Not verified by NHTSA and not a casualty statistic.
0

What this page shows

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2009 BMW 335I submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 29 reports on file name it.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Owner reports naming airbag

The 25 most recent of 29, in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the result was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000.

NHTSA ID
11750849
Incident
Jul 16, 2026
Mileage
67,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Mar 21, 2026

2009 BMW 3 Series with factory optioned Sport Steering wheel has no recalls, but still has a 2017 production Takata PSDI-5 airbag with the yellow sticker. This airbag was replaced during the interim period, before the revised design was released. It was manufactured in 2017, but used the same design as the original. This airbag is now 9 years old, and I fear it has the same shrapnel risk as the original unit replaced in 2017. East Bay BMW did not take my concern seriously when I made an appointment, citing the fact that there were no recalls for my VIN. There was no inspection performed. The only option I have is buying a used airbag with a 2018+ production date and white sticker. I would like reassurance that my airbag won't kill me, or some help from the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID
11725997
Incident
Jan 16, 2026
Airbags
Filed Mar 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 BMW 335I. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V017000 (AIR BAGS); however, shortly after the vehicle was retrieved, the air bag warning light illuminated and remained illuminated. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 102,000.

NHTSA ID
11647370
Incident
Feb 10, 2025
Mileage
102,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Nov 4, 2022

My car randomly started throwing an error for a failure with the passenger restraint system. From what I have read it has something to do with the OC3 Mat in the seat that detects if there is an occupant, and if the weight of the occupant is considered to be that of an adult, so the airbag does not deploy in the wrong circumstances, which is potentially dangerous to anyone that may ride in the passenger seat. There has been an extended warranty, and recall for previous years of E90 BMWs, but 2009 may not be included, even though the seats should be the same. I plan on contacting the dealership for further investigation, but I know I cannot afford to have this safety feature fixed out of my pocket at this time. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID
11492216
Incident
Oct 27, 2022
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Apr 15, 2022

I turned my car on an out of nowhere a seatbelt and airbag light came on. I did not get into a bump up or disconnect any sensors it just popped up one day.

NHTSA ID
11460954
Incident
Feb 17, 2022
AirbagsInterior & seats
Filed Mar 17, 2021

THE SEAT MAT SENSOR IS ALSO DEFECTIVE IN THE 2009 MODEL YEAR. BMW HAS INCLUDED ONLY 2007 AND 2008. WE CANNOT PUT A CHILD OR ELDERLY IN THE FRONT SEAT AS THE AIRBAG WILL GO OFF.

NHTSA ID
11403591
Incident
Mar 17, 2020
Mileage
134,000 mi
AirbagsElectricalSeat belts
Filed Nov 20, 2020

RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING AND SOMETIMES WHEN STATIONARY MY CAR'S ELECTRICAL SYSTEM STARTED GOING HAYWIRE INCLUDING MY GAUGES AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG AS WELL SOME OTHER SAFETY FEATURES WITH TTHE SEATBELT WERE DISABLED WITH & WITHOUT A PASSENGER IN THE CAR. I KEEP GETTING A WARNING SCREEN THAT TREAD AS FOLLOWS: "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. FAULT IN PASSENGER-RESTRAINT SYSTEM AFFECTING AIRBAG, BELT TENSIONER OR BELT-FORCE LIMITER. CONTINUE TO WEAR THE SAFETY BELT. HAVE THE SYSTEM CHECKED BY THE NEAREST BMW CENTER." AFTER LOOKING ONLINE IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM BUT FOR SOME REASON MY VIN ISN'T INCLUDED ON THE RECALL.

NHTSA ID
11375586
Incident
Nov 20, 2020
Mileage
160,000 mi
AirbagsEngineFuel system
Filed Sep 25, 2020

I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO LOSE ACCELERATION. I COULD NOT ACCELERATE UP AN INCLINE. THEN I HEARD A RATTLING. THE NEXT EXIT WAS A REST STOP AND AS I WAS EXITING MY VEHICLE FAILED AND SHUT DOWN. I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. I COASTED TO A PARKING STALL AND TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AFTER PARKING IT SAFELY. WHEN I OPENED THE HOOD THE VEHICLE WAS NOT HOT OR SMOKING SO I TRIED TO START IT. THE CAR STARTED BUT WITH A VERY LOUD KNOCKING AND RATTLING SO I SHUT IT OFF AGAIN AND PHONED THE DEALERSHIP. I TOWED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 30 DAYS AGO AND HAVE NOT BEEN CONTACTED BY THEM NOT 1X. I HAVE CALLED WEEKLY TO NO AVAIL.

NHTSA ID
11361169
Incident
Aug 12, 2020
Mileage
128,000 mi
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Feb 21, 2020

WHEN A PASSENGER IS BELTED - WITH CAR RUNNING/DRIVING - AN ALARM COMES ON - BASICALLY NOT RECOGNIZING WHEN BELTED. ALSO THE INACTIVE AIRBAG LIGHT IS NOT ON. WHEN NO PASSENGER, THE CAR USED TO LIGHT UP THE 'AIRBAG NOT ACTIVE' - IT NO LONGER SHOWS THAT (LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF) WHETHER PASSENGER THERE OR NOT.

NHTSA ID
11310581
Incident
Feb 14, 2020
Mileage
103,000 mi
AirbagsInterior & seatsSeat belts
Filed Jun 20, 2019

AFTER A PERSONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THIS ISSUE, BMW SEEMS TO STILL DENY THAT MY MODEL HAS THE SAME ISSUES DESCRIBED IN THE RECALL. "RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION!" APPEARS ON THE CAR EVERY 20 SECONDS FRIGHTING DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS THE AIRBAGS AND SEATBELTS MIGHT NOT WORK. THIS IS AN AMERICAN CAR CURENTLY IN CANADA.

NHTSA ID
11221579
Incident
Mar 5, 2019
Airbags
Filed May 15, 2018

AIR BAG SENSOR STILL ON AS FAULTY. BMW HAS STATED ITS THE SENSOR ASSOCIATED WITH THE THE EVENT OF ROLL OVER. PRIVATE COMPANY CERTIFIED TO SERVICE BMWS STATES ITS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG. MY BMW'S COMPUTER ALSO STATES ITS THE PASSENGER AIR BAG.

NHTSA ID
11094055
Incident
May 1, 2017
Mileage
90,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Dec 7, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); 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. THE DEALER (ADVANTAGE BMW MIDTOWN, 1305 GRAY ST, HOUSTON, TX 77002) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-831-1117 AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD TO CALL THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER TRANSFERRED THE CALL TO THE DEALER AND THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD CALL BACK TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT DID NOT RECEIVE A CALL BACK FROM THE DEALER. A CASE NUMBER WAS NOT PROVIDED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
11053343
Incident
Feb 5, 2016
Airbags
Filed Dec 7, 2017

2009 BMW 335I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DRIVERS SIDE AIR BAG MODULE SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE RECALL REPAIR EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. UPDATED 12/7/2017*JS

NHTSA ID
11053070
Incident
Jun 1, 2017
AirbagsEngineFuel system
Filed Nov 16, 2017

I WENT TO THE BMW DEALERSHIP (TO HAVE THE SEVERAL RECALL PERFORMED ON MY CAR LASTWEEK 1. RECALL ID 263858 2. RECALL ID 190318 3. RECALL ID 190319 4. RECALL ID 190320 5. RECALL ID 174817 THE SERVICE GUY (HTTPS://WWW.STEVENSCREEKBMW.COM) TOLD ME THAT THEY CANT HONOR THE RECALL BECAUSE MY CAR HAS A REBUILT/SALVAGE TITLE MY CALL VIN NUMBER [XXX] CAR BMW 335I 2009 BASE ON MY UNDERSTANDING RECALLS ARE A SAFETY ISSUE AND BY LAW HAVE TO BE COMPLETED ON THE CAR NO MATTER THE BRANDING ON TITLE. PLEASES LET ME KNOW THE WAY TO GET THE RECALL PROCESS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
11046648
Incident
Nov 14, 2017
AirbagsSeat belts
Filed Sep 12, 2017

MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY DISPLAYED A PASSENGER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION MESSAGE FOLLOWING SOMEONE SITTING IN THE SEAT. EVERYTHING APPEARS TO BE IN FULL WORKING ORDER EXCEPT WHATEVER IS CAUSING THE MALFUNCTION.

NHTSA ID
11022897
Incident
Sep 14, 2016
Mileage
115,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jul 3, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER, BMW OF SAN FRANCISCO LOCATED ON 1675 HOWARD STREET,SAN FRANCISCO, CA, 94103, WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID
11002860
Incident
Mar 23, 2016
Airbags
Filed May 17, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); 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. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10986180
Incident
Feb 1, 2016
Airbags
Filed Mar 5, 2017

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FROM BMW (RECALL CAMPAIGN NO. 16V-071) A YEAR AGO. THE RECALL NOTICE INFORMS ME THAT THE AIRBAG CAN RUPTURE IN AN ACCIDENT AND SEND METAL FRAGMENTS TO THE DRIVER (MYSELF) AND OTHER PASSENGERS. THIS IS A CONCERNING SAFETY ISSUE THAT STILL HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSES AND RESOLVED BY BMW. THE RECALL NOTICE ADVISES ME THAT THERE ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE TO RESOLVE THIS RECALL AND THAT BMW WILL ADVISE ME WHEN THERE ARE. SINCE IT HAS BEEN A YEAR SINCE THIS NOTICE, THIS IS NOW REACHING AN UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME THAT A CONSUMER SHOULD HAVE TO WAIT FOR RESOLUTION ON A SAFETY ISSUE SUCH AS THIS. I WOULD LIKE BMW TO PROVIDE ME WITH A LOANER BMW VEHICLE OR LIKE MODEL UNTIL THEY CORRECT AND RESOLVE THIS ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID
10958654
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Mileage
50,000 mi
Airbags
Filed Jan 2, 2017

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE STATING THAT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH A DEFECT IN THE AIRBAG COULD CAUSE RUPTURING OF THE INFLATOR RESULTING IN SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. IT IS NOW MORE THAN 9 MONTHS SINCE RECEIPT OF THIS NOTICE. I HAVE CONTACTED BMW 3 TIMES SINCE RECEIPT OF THE NOTICE AND THEY STATE THERE IS STILL NO INDICATION OF WHEN THEY MIGHT BE ABLE TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG. I'M HOPING YOU CAN ASSIST WITH FORCING BMW TO GET THIS SAFETY REPLACEMENT COMPLETED.

NHTSA ID
10939073
Incident
Mar 15, 2016
Airbags
Filed Nov 29, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 16V340000 (AIR BAGS) AND 16V06100 (AIR BAGS). 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 MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

NHTSA ID
10928491
Incident
Mar 5, 2016
Airbags
Filed Oct 28, 2016

TAKATA RECALL HAVE BEEN CALLING JULIE AT STEVENS CREEK BMW SAN JOSE CALIFORNIA TELE 408 961 4451 SINCE 2015 ALL OF 2016 APRIL, MAY ,JULY, AUGUST AND NOW OCTOBER ALWAY GET "NOT YET SOON HOPEFULLY ALL I KNOW IS I WANT IT FIXED BEFORE MY FAMILY IS MURDERED BY THIS VILE RECALL NOT BEING CARRIED OUT WHEN WILL THIS BE RESOVED????????

NHTSA ID
10919878
Incident
Oct 26, 2016
Airbags
Filed Oct 20, 2016

TAKATA RECALL. LOCAL BMW DEALER SAID THEY DID NOT HAVE PARTS. SAID THEY WOULD PUT ME ON A WAIT LIST. IT HAS BEEN MONTHS. NO CONTACT. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE MY CAR BECAUSE OF THE RISK. HTTP://WWW.BMWMAINLINE.COM/

NHTSA ID
10917694
Incident
Jul 4, 2016
Airbags
Filed Sep 1, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.

NHTSA ID
10903144
Incident
Jul 8, 2016
Airbags
Filed Aug 29, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 BMW 335I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V071000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER 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.

NHTSA ID
10899318
Incident
Mar 1, 2016
Airbags
Filed Aug 25, 2016

TAKATA RECALL I WAS NOTIFIED OF THE AIRBAG RECALL ON MY CAR AND CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO GET A RENTAL CAR. I WAS FIRST DENIED THIS REQUEST UNTIL I CALLED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP TO APPROVE THE RENTAL. IT HAS BEEN MONTHS AND THE DEALERSHIP CALLED AND SAID THEY HAD MY REPLACEMENT AIRBAG SO UPON DROPPING THE CAR OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP I ASKED IF THIS WAS THE NEWLY DESIGNED AIRBAG AND WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE SAME DEFECTIVE DESIGN BUT WAS SAFE BECAUSE THEY ARE ESSENTIALLY "RESETTING THE CLOCK." SO INSTEAD OF CORRECTING THE DEFECT, I SIMPLY GOT A NEWER DEFECTIVE 'SAFETY DEVICE' PUT IN MY VEHICLE THAT WOULD HAVE TO REPLACED AGAIN. I CALLED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AGAIN TO INQUIRE ABOUT A VEHICLE BUY BACK WHICH THEY ARE REQUIRED TO DO BY LAW IF THEY CANNOT CORRECT A RECALL. I WAS TOLD THAT BASED ON THE AGE OF MY VEHICLE THEY WOULD NOT BUY IT BACK. I DON'T SEE HOW THIS IS LEGAL AND WOULD LIKE THIS INVESTIGATED. IF A MANUFACTURER IS REQUIRED BY LAW TO REPAIR MY CAR AND CANNOT DO SO, THEY SHOULD BE FORCED TO REFUND MY PURCHASE PRICE OR SWAP IT OUT FOR A COMPARABLE VEHICLE. THE FACT THAT BMW IS NOT DOING SO IS ILLEGAL AND THEY SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE.

NHTSA ID
10898473
Incident
Aug 23, 2016
Mileage
51,000 mi

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

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Data sources

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