High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the seatbelt, airbag, and occupant detection system in my 2019 BMW 430i. At the time of purchase, the vehicle’s software had not been updated since 2018. Because the software was so outdated, multiple safety-related fault codes did not appear during the dealer’s pre-sale inspection or during initial diagnostic checks. During a later service appointment, the dealership informed me that they were unable to perform accurate diagnostics because the software was old and could interfere with sensor readings. After I paid for the software update, several safety-related codes appeared, including faults connected to the seatbelt/occupant classification system. None of these safety defects were disclosed to me prior to the sale. This raises concern that the vehicle had an existing safety defect at the time of sale, but the outdated software prevented the detection and reporting of these faults. If other vehicles are being sold without current software, this may result in safety-critical issues being hidden from consumers and inspectors. A malfunctioning seatbelt or occupant detection system significantly increases injury risk in a crash. If outdated vehicle software suppresses or fails to display safety-critical faults, consumers may unknowingly be operating unsafe vehicles.
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the seatbelt, airbag, and occupant detection system in my 2019 BMW 430i. At the time of purchase, the vehicle’s software had not been updated since 2018. Because the software was so outdated, multiple safety-related fault codes did not appear during the dealer’s pre-sale inspection or during initial diagnostic checks. During a later service appointment, the dealership informed me that they were unable to perform accurate diagnostics because the software was old and could interfere with sensor readings. After I paid for the software update, several safety-related codes appeared, including faults connected to the seatbelt/occupant classification system. None of these safety defects were disclosed to me prior to the sale. This raises concern that the vehicle had an existing safety defect at the time of sale, but the outdated software prevented the detection and reporting of these faults. If other vehicles are being sold without current software, this may result in safety-critical issues being hidden from consumers and inspectors. A malfunctioning seatbelt or occupant detection system significantly increases injury risk in a crash. If outdated vehicle software suppresses or fails to display safety-critical faults, consumers may unknowingly be operating unsafe vehicles.
The airbags did not deploy upon impact from head on collision into another vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the other vehicle’s airbags did deploy that was involved in the collision. There was a police report filed & the insurance company has picked up the vehicle for them to complete an inspection & evaluation.
The airbags did not deploy upon impact from head on collision into another vehicle. The vehicle was towed and the other vehicle’s airbags did deploy that was involved in the collision. There was a police report filed & the insurance company has picked up the vehicle for them to complete an inspection & evaluation.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 430I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module; however, the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
The contact owns a 2019 BMW 430I. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Air Bag Off” and “Service Air Bag” messages were displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to Special Coverage Adjustment: 23520 Passenger Presence Sensor (PPS) Module; however, the VIN was not included in the Special Coverage Adjustment. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,000.
My fiancé was driving my vehicle and hit a tree. The air bag deployed and she has shrapnel cuts on her face. The surgeon stated that she should not have had that injury on the face like she did.
My fiancé was driving my vehicle and hit a tree. The air bag deployed and she has shrapnel cuts on her face. The surgeon stated that she should not have had that injury on the face like she did.
"Passenger restraint system: Malfunction" alert came up on the display screen and then quickly disappeared several times. BMW dealer said the seat belt/airbags would not operate correctly in the event of a crash. BMW dealer said it was not related to the 2 recalls issued in 2021 and 2022 on this car for coolant or telematics (which BMW had not notified us about yet or fixed during service appts in 2021 or 2022). From a quick search online, this specific passenger restraint warning alert is unfortunately a very common problem with this year/make/model and should be reviewed to see if it qualifies as a recall. BMW dealer charged $1840 to replace the seat, mat and clear the warning alert.
"Passenger restraint system: Malfunction" alert came up on the display screen and then quickly disappeared several times. BMW dealer said the seat belt/airbags would not operate correctly in the event of a crash. BMW dealer said it was not related to the 2 recalls issued in 2021 and 2022 on this car for coolant or telematics (which BMW had not notified us about yet or fixed during service appts in 2021 or 2022). From a quick search online, this specific passenger restraint warning alert is unfortunately a very common problem with this year/make/model and should be reviewed to see if it qualifies as a recall. BMW dealer charged $1840 to replace the seat, mat and clear the warning alert.
SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS SENSING A FAULT. IT SAYS IT IS NOT WORKING AND THE AIRBAG IS NOT ON. THE DEALER IS RELUCTANT TO REPAIR IT, BECAUSE IT'S EXPENSIVE. IT'S UCLEAT IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK.
SEAT OCCUPANCY SENSOR IS SENSING A FAULT. IT SAYS IT IS NOT WORKING AND THE AIRBAG IS NOT ON. THE DEALER IS RELUCTANT TO REPAIR IT, BECAUSE IT'S EXPENSIVE. IT'S UCLEAT IF THE AIRBAG WILL WORK.