2004 BMW 5 Series air bags problems
Owners reported air bags problems in 31 complaints for the 2004 BMW 5 Series, 35% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 31 35% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 81,000 miles 29 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 1
- Injuries and deaths
- 2 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When air bags problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 1 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 8 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 10 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 3 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 0 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 1 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 29 air bags complaints that report mileage, the median is about 81,000 miles, and 21% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash, 1 fire, 2 injuries.
What owners wrote
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 BMW 5 series. The contact noticed a burning smell and felt something burning her leg. She sustained burns to her thigh and buttocks area due to the seat warmer. The manufacturer was unable to assist. The contact was able to locate NHTSA campaign id number 08v384000 (air bags:frontal) for the same year, make, and model vehicle. She also stated that the passenger side air bag was inoperable.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 BMW 545. The contact stated that the air bag and passenger restraint lights were illuminating on the dash board. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was told that the passenger seat occupant detection mat failed. The dealer stated there was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 08v384000 (air bags: frontal), but the vehicle was not included. The failure mileage was 78,000 and the current mileage was 80,200.
Air bags problems in other years
- 2023
- 2011
- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
- 2007
- 2006
- 2005
- 2004
- 1997
- 1996