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2008 BMW X5: airbag warning light

8 of the 215 complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 describe airbag warning light.

owner complaints
8
of this car's complaints
4%
recalls
6
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls and 7 service bulletins for this area of the car. See below

Airbag warning light by model year

  • 2021
    2
  • 2020
    1
  • 2019
    3
  • 2018
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2011
    3
  • 2010
    8
  • 2009
    2
  • 2008
    8
  • 2007
    3
  • 2006
    39
  • 2005
    8
  • 2004
    3
  • 2002
    5
  • 2001
    2

What owners say

Filed Jun 16, 2025 · Airbags, Fuel system · OR

Airbag light is on for passenger and fuel injectors messed up. This is a 2008 and other ones had recalls. I don’t understand why mine did not lights are flickering a little bit and before it was smoking really bad and I had to get that fixed.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. After retrieving the vehicle from the independent mechanic, the driver's side air bag warning indicator illuminated; however, the passenger side air bag was off. The vehicle was taken to bmw concord (1967 market st, concord, ca 94520, (925) 682-3577) where it was diagnosed that there was a cracked sensor in the passenger seat that needed replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage and VIN were not available.

Filed Jan 23, 2018 · Airbags · NY

"takata recall' I think the dealers are not doing the right job for this recal li had the driver-side airbag recall done at bmw south albany ny and the passenger side at keeler bmw ny and I still have the airbag warning light on......... Attached photo I dont feel safe driving this car please help

Filed May 25, 2016 · Airbags · 116,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator illuminated for the passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the front passenger occupant detection mat was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 13v564000 (air bags); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.

Filed Oct 29, 2014 · Airbags, Engine · IL

I had already submitted a complaint under 10586821 due to the radiator but did not include that the mechanic said that the reason that radiator went out was because of the malfunction of the water pump which I also had to replace. I was told to amend the complaint once received but I never received anything in the mail. Bmw knows that there is a problem and refuses to fix it. Also the passenger airbag indicator has been on for over a year. I was told that I would have to remove and have the airbags and sensors replace. What is the purpose of having something that is suppose to be for safety but it's malfunctioning. Therefore I have airbags that are not going to protect anyone in the course of an accident. This is also a common problem with bmw. This is not an age of car item because I had less than 40,000 miles when the indicator came on.

Filed Aug 5, 2014 · Airbags, Seat belts · 76,660 miles · KS

I get the seat belt on light and something similar to that but with the airbag light on. This is only on the front passenger side. No passenger but light is on with the chime as well.

Filed Dec 27, 2013 · Airbags · 52,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. The contact stated that the passenger's side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the dealer stated that the air bag sensor was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer had to order the air bag sensor. There months later, the dealer still did not have the part available to complete the air bag repair. The failure mileage was 52,000.

Filed Apr 13, 2011 · Airbags · 58,000 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 bmw x5. The contact stated that when a passenger was in the seat the air bag warning light would illuminate. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who advised him that the seat sensor needs to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and advised him that he was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 4,007 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2012 X5 xDrive35d, 2008-2012 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M, 2007-2012 X5 30si, X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 48i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles equipped with non-desiccated, passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSPI-2) propellant 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
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until this remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag, free of charge. The recall began March 11, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 20V016000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported January 15, 2020 · 59,965 vehicles affected
What is wrong
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.

Recall number 20V017000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 14, 2019 · 83,016 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2014 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, 2009-2013 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and 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
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began March 14, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 19V017000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 9, 2018 · 41,808 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2007-2013 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, 2009-2010 X5 xDrive35d vehicles and 2009-2013 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2010 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." BMW is also recalling certain 2007-2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xdrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X5 xDrive35d, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6M vehicles ever registered in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and 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
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger front air bag module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 2018. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 18V030000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported January 10, 2017 · 48,951 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2012 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain 2009 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i, and X5 M vehicles, 2008-2009 X6 xDrive 35i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, and 2009 X5 xDrive35d vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, BMW is recalling certain 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5 M vehicles, and 2008 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i, and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the remedy is performed. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. Interim letters were mailed March 2017. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 17V020000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 25, 2016 · 97,738 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2007-2011 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, 2009-2011 X5 xDrive35d vehicles, 2008-2011 X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles, and 2010-2011 X6 ActiveHybrid vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, BMW is recalling certain model year 2007-2008 X5 xDrive30i, X5 xDrive35i, X5 xDrive48i, X5 xDrive50i and X5M vehicles, and 2008 BMW X6 xDrive35i, X6 xDrive50i and X6 M vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Vehicles of these model years and models that were not originally sold or ever registered in either Zones A or B are not subject to this safety recall. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the front air bags, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or air bag module, free of charge. The recall began July 28, 2017. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 16V364000 · Recall details

Questions about the 2008 BMW X5 airbag light

Is airbag warning light a common problem on the 2008 BMW X5?

8 of 215 owner complaints about the 2008 BMW X5 (4%) mention airbag warning light. The model year with the most reports is 2006.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 BMW X5?

There are 6 recalls and 7 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 BMW X5

Overheating 28Stalling 26Fuel pump 20Check engine light 15Fire or smoke 14Loss of power 9Hesitation 5

All model years of the BMW X5

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