general problems of the 2020 BMW X3

Six problems related to air bag have been reported for the 2020 BMW X3. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 BMW X3 based on all problems reported for the 2020 X3.

1 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 03/25/2026

The heated seat element had a runway incident that caused the seat to smoke and burn a hole through multiple layers and ultimately damaging the airbag sensor mat disabling the passenger airbag system.

2 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 08/08/2024

The contact owns a 2020 BMW X3. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the message to “drive safely - see nearest BMW service center” was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was driven to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the wiring harness associated with the driver’s and passenger’s side knee air bags needed to be replaced; however, the part for the repair was not available. The contact researched online and became aware of manufacturer communications number: b650122; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,243.

3 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/18/2023

This is the message I get: "driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module . Carefully drive to the closest service center. Driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of a collision. Continue wearing safety belt. Driver restraint system malfunction. " I went to cavender BMW and was told the problem is with the passenger knee airbag rewired to control module. The cost would be $1,400. I have 24,122 miles on the car. My salesman said that there have been quite a few of these problems. It seems there should be a recall if that is the case.

4 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2023

Received warning on screen. “driver restraint system malfunction carefully drive to the closest service center driver restraint system is reduced. Increased risk of injury in case of collision. Continue using safety belt. ” I took the car in, and this was the diagnosis: “driver restraint system malfunction. Passenger knee airbag rewired to control module” 24,122 miles on the car. $1400.

5 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/14/2023

The driver passenger restraint system light comes on which is a manufacturer defect that should be covered for the life of the vehicle (this is not a wear-and-tear) component. I called BMW and was told that the part is out of warranty. I would like an investigation of this part for all BMW X3 as the defect can result in fatalities.

6 Air Bag problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2022

While the car was still under warranty, I got an error message about passenger restraint malfunction. I took to the dealer and was told that it was caused by an ipad found under driver seat. They turned off the warning. Three months later, I get the same message again. The car is now out of warranty and I was told the error is for knee airbag wire that would take 10 hours to get to and repair, if that’s the problem. The cost will be $3800. I decided to wait. Car has 53,000 miles on it. First time I took to the dealer was on December 20,2022. Malfunction light came back on April 28,2023. I couldn’t get an appointment until may 31, 2023.


Other Air Bag related problems of the 2020 BMW X3



X3 Service Bulletins
X3 Safety Recalls
X3 Defect Investigations