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 ↗2018 BMW X5 airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2018 BMW X5 have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 X5 | 4 |
| 2017 X5 | 4 |
| 2018 X5 (this page) | 3 |
| 2019 X5 | 10 |
| 2020 X5 | 6 |
| 2021 X5 | 6 |
1crash
3injuries
What stands out
Of the 13 model years of BMW X5 we track for airbags problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
No new NHTSA airbags complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 ↗A check control message for the restraint system appears. In the instrument cluster, the red air bag warning light lights up permanently.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2018 BMW x5 xdr40e. Consumer writes to multiple malfunctions with vehicle; airbag/seat tensioner/belt-force limiters-system. *as *js
Passenger airbag alert on dashboard constantly when you turn on the car and makes you unable to use any voice command or use display navigation without pressing 3 times ok button...it was like this first time when we got it and every time we took it to service...most of the time we were told that was triggered by leaving the purse or bag on the seat? Finally after resetting every time , last year…
Had airbags trouble with your 2018 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 2018 BMW X5?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2018/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.