According to the customer, the airbag warning light was on, but it may not be illuminated when the vehicle arrives in the workshop. 1. ACSM fault code "930A60 - Seat occupancy detection, front passenger; malfunction" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present. Or 2. ACSM fault code "930A1C - Front passenger seat occupancy detection transmitting fault(moisture)" is stored. The fault may or may not currently be present.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2016 BMW X5 airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2016 BMW X5 have filed 4 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
4
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 X5 (this page) | 4 |
| 2017 X5 | 4 |
| 2019 X5 | 10 |
| 2020 X5 | 6 |
1crash
2injuries
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of BMW X5 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (4).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the Instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently. One of the following fault codes stored in the ACSM (air bag control unit): 930949 - Knee airbag, driver: short circuit to negative terminal; 93094F - Knee airbag, front passenger: short circuit to negative terminal.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗The red air bag warning light is illuminated.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TAILGATE UNINTENTIONALLY OPENS: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B51 30 16 dated March 2018. Trunk/tailgate may open when vehicle is locked Trunk/tailgate may open while the vehicle is in motion usually after stopping such as a traffic light etc. Vehicle key trunk/tailgate button may be accidentally pressed thus opening the tailgate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗AIR BAG LAMP ILLUMINATED. FAULT CODE 9309A0: This Service Information Bulletin (Revision 4) replaces SI B65 05 18 dated October 2018. The red air bag warning light is illuminated: Check Control message: restraint system CCM-ID: 97 The following fault memory is entered in the ACSM4 (Advanced Crash Safety Module): 9309A0 - Safety battery terminal 3: Resistance too big / Safety cutout of EME: Resistance too great A contact problem with connector A190*1B at the EME (Electrical Machine Electronics). The wires going to pins 7 (CRASH +) and 20 (CRASH-) in connector A190*1B are under tension. Vibrations may sporadically increase the resistance values of these connections outside of the acceptable ra
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
During a recent auto collision my airbags did not deploy. I swerved to avoid another vehicle entering the intersection from my left, he hit my rear left driver's side quarter panel and I subsequently hit a tree. This was noted by the paramedics first on scene as well as by the firemen and police when they arrived. I have notified BMW of North America, USAA insurance (my insurance company), and…
Had airbags trouble with your 2016 BMW X5?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2016 BMW X5?
It's a meaningful issue. 4 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 4 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 63,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2016/BMW/X5.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.