Seats Problems of BMW X5 - part 2

BMW X5 owners have reported 63 problems related to seats (under the seats category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of BMW X5 based on all problems reported for the X5.

36 Seats problem of the 2011 BMW X5

Failure Date: 09/28/2016

The passenger occupancy sensor is defective and chimes continuously when unoccupied. The only way to disarm the chime is to buckle the passenger seat belt which activates the passenger airbags. Since this vehicle currently has several airbag recalls on it, the defective occupancy sensor creates a dangerous situation for myself and other owners of this same make and model.

See all problems of the 2011 BMW X5 🔎.

37 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/20/2016

My drivers side seat ( cushion) caught on fire when I turned on the heated seats. I first smelled a burning / plastic smell. Then I felt my glutes and hamstring getting warm. I looked down ( I was driving) and saw an orange ember on the seat. I pulled over as soon as I could, hot out of the car, and saw that the seat was actually burning. Luckily I had a bottle of water in the car and put out the flame and turned off the seat. I called the dealer- got a quote to repair. BMW will not take responsibility for this. I have a small burn on my leg, and a good size hole in the seat. I like my heated seats living in the northeast during winter months. Very disappointed that BMW refuses to address this dangerous issue.

See all problems of the 2006 BMW X5 🔎.

38 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/15/2016

The driver side heated seat overheats and becomes too hot to touch. I have experience discoloration in some of my clothing due to the excessive heat, and I experienced a slight burned on my thigh when the heated seat is turned on. The issue occurs while the car is in motion or stationary. The leather most affected by the heated seat malfunction is thinning. I have contacted the local BMW dealership twice about the issues, and I have been ignored when I requested a quote on the repair and why the safety issue has not been addressed.

39 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 10/15/2015

While driving I turned on my heated seats and about 15 minutes later my drivers side seat became very hot and started to burn me. I pulled over abruptly, jumped out of my car and noticed that my pants was discolored/burned and my seat was burned and had a burn hole (about 3. 5 inches) in it. , the car had a plastic type burn smell in it. I am terrified to turn on the heated seats again.

40 Seats problem of the 2008 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/02/2015

Front passenger seat airbag sensor failure.

See all problems of the 2008 BMW X5 🔎.

41 Seats problem of the 2005 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/01/2015

Tl-the contact owns a 2005 BMW X5. The contact stated that while driving approximately 15 mph with the heated seat activated, the front drivers side seat began to get hot and there was a burning odor. The contact reduced the heat for the seat but the failure recurred whenever the seat heating option was activated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. Djr.

See all problems of the 2005 BMW X5 🔎.

42 Seats problem of the 2005 BMW X5

Failure Date: 01/03/2015

BMW X5 2005 a hole was burned into the drivers seat, burning my leg and a hole in my sweater, while driving on a city street. I purchased this vehicle new in 2005 and have had it serviced regularly.

43 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 06/02/2014

We received an important safety recall from BMW in June 2016 that we needed to replace the passenger side front air bag immediately as the air bag does not work as part of the "recall campaign no. 13v-564: front passenger air bag seat occupancy sensor mat. " we immediately contacted the perillo BMW dealership in chicago (1035 north clark street, chicago, IL 60610, (312) 981-0000) where we purchased the car. Over the following six months, we called monthly to inquire about whether they had the replacement seat to fix the car. Perillo actually had us bring the car in two separate times only to tell us each time that they didn't have the part needed for our type of repair. We happened to have the worst possible outcome where the sensor mat is broken and the air bag is disabled on the passenger side of the vehicle. The condition of the car makes it very dangerous for anyone to sit in the front passenger seat. We live in chicago and therefore drive on highways and in heavy traffic frequently. I am now pregnant with our second child so we absolutely have to have this fixed before the new baby comes in April 2015. Since we last brought the car in this fall, we have called perillo non stop to inquire and each time they say they don't have the part. It is not only a terrible customer service experience but it puts our family at risk every time we drive the car. Perillo remains unhelpful and unresponsive so we are filing a report nationally.

44 Seats problem of the 2007 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/01/2014

I have the same complaint that another owner made under NHTSA id number 10621394, pertaining to NHTSA campaign number 13v564000. In my case a repair shop has indicated that my vehicle's front passenger seat occupant detection mat is defective and probably should be covered by the recall. Unfortunately the recall only lists the 2006 BMW X5 as having the defective part. I believe the recall should be extended to include the 2007 BMW X5.

See all problems of the 2007 BMW X5 🔎.

45 Seats problem of the 2001 BMW X5

Failure Date: 03/15/2014

The airbag warning light on the instrument cluster turned on when I had a passenger in the front passenger seat of the vehicle. It would go off after a few start cycles with no passengers, but then come back on the next time a passenger was in the front passenger seat. I was able to read the codes which indirectly indicated a fault in the occupancy sensor mat in the front passenger seat. I replaced the sensor mat and related wiring interface and the warning light and errors have not returned. There are many owners groups that discuss the apparent high failure rate of these occupancy sensor mats and we have noted that more recent X5 models were recalled, but that earlier models were not. I suspect that the earlier models have the same - or a related - problem.

See all problems of the 2001 BMW X5 🔎.

46 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/18/2014

Drivers side heated seat burned through leather seats on right side of seat at rib cage. Slightly burned driver. Had a electrical burning smell. Left about a 6 inch burn line in the seat. Very unattractive!.

47 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 12/24/2013

Driver's side heated seat turned on and thereafter became dangerously hot and burned through the driver's coat.

48 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 12/01/2013

Passenger occupancy sensor fails, causing air bag to become inoperative and airbag light to appear on dash. In case of accident, the airbag will not deploy. Dealer wants nearly 2000 dollars to fix, though they say it had "already been repaired in 2008" when the vehicle was two years old; dealer confirmed that they hear this complaint all of the time. Recall campaign 08v384000 addresses this issue for some BMW models/seats, but does not adequately address all models and years that have the problem. For the X5 model, for example, the "comfort seat" is covered, but the standard seat, which has the very same problem (not related to the comfort system) is not. Please widen the coverage of the campaign to include all models and years affected by this widespread problem.

49 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/01/2013

Production date 03/2006 front passenger seat occupant detection mat malfunction. Vehicle was brought to independent shop for code reading to verify that 'airbag light off' illuminated was triggered from seat sensor. Light stays illuminated (indicating airbag is off) with adult occupant on passenger seat,approximately less than 1,000-miles after, driver dash airbag light illuminated permanently also. Vehicle was purchased as a cpo. Airbag/seat sensor code began after cpo warranty expired. During the period of my ownership, vehicle was never involved in any collisions. Vehicle was last brought in for brake and oil service at BMW dealership. Some research seem to indicate a recall regarding very similar situation (NHTSA campaign # 08v384000) was available for certain model BMW. Summary of the campaign letter does not include 2006 X5, however, extra notes does state that it includes "my 2006 X5. " both BMW dealership and BMW of na were not able to find any recall associated with my VIN. There were made aware of the letter and were firm that vehicle was not part of the recall and repair/replacement cost at owner's expense.

50 Seats problem of the 2004 BMW X5

Failure Date: 01/28/2013

The contact owns a 2004 BMW X5. The contact stated that he started to smell something burning from under the driver¿s seat. The contact pulled over at a gas station to have the vehicle inspected. The attendant found that there was a hole under the seat from the heated seat element. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer where they replaced the heated seat element, but not the actual seat. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 89,000.

See all problems of the 2004 BMW X5 🔎.

51 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 01/27/2013

Driver's side heated seat shorted while driving. It caused a small fire and burned a hole through the leather seat when heated seat was turned on.

52 Seats problem of the 2007 BMW X5

Failure Date: 11/01/2012

In regard to NHTSA 13v-564, my 2007 BMW X5 has the same front passenger sensor/control module issue. A warning light comes on every time I start the car that says seat belt malfunction or seatbelt tension sensor malfunction. This must be a defect, as I have less that 40,000 miles and hardly ever have a passenger. The recall was issued in December 2013 and references up to 2006 BMW X5s as having the defective part. Can you please extend this recall to include 2007 BMW X5s? if you would like or need additional information, please let me know. Thank you.

53 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 10/15/2012

After experiencing the same issue for which BMW issued this recall NHTSA action number: ea08001 I learned that because my 2006 X5 was manufactured after November 30, 2005, BMW is not covering under warranty the very same defect that vehicles manufactured prior to November 30, 2005 are under warranty for (extended to 10 years with no mileage restrictions). The explanation is "that is the recall policy. We manage this via VIN numbers".

54 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 06/01/2012

The airbag indicator on dash came on initially and then after about a month the overhead console "passenger air bag off" light came on. Both lights came on ever since and 2 attempts were made to clear code by professional and seems to be the problem with the passenger sensor mat being faulty. My vehicle was equipped with a sport seats from manufacturer and estimated cost was from $800-$1200 for that sensor. I have received a letter for this recall showing my VIN as an affected vehicle in 12/2013, however, it's now 6/2014 and still no feedback from NHTSA or BMW na.

55 Seats problem of the 2004 BMW X5

Failure Date: 12/04/2010

2004 X5, 58,000 mile. Drivers heated seat burned a hole in the leather and my left leg/buttock area was burned. I switched off the seat button, and put out the glowing leather seat fire. This burned me slightly and could have cause a serious fire. I have contacted the BMW dealer and said it would not be covered under a recall or warranty. Approx. Cost is 750. 00 to repair. This is a serious safety issue that should be covered by manufacture. I see there is a pattern of problems with this item. Help!!.

56 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 11/25/2010

Driver's side seat heating element electrical short, burned hole through leather seat when heated seat is turned on.

57 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 10/25/2010

I have a 2006 BMW X5 with approximately 60,000 miles. While sitting in the drivers seat, I turned on the heated seat. Minutes later, I felt a burning on my left leg halfway between my knee and hip and began to smell smoke. I pulled over and exited the vehicle immediately. When I looked at the seat, the leather was visibly burnt and was extremely hot to the touch. Had I stayed in the vehicle any longer, I would have been burned by the seat and injured. We are currently teaching my daughter to drive, this could have been a serious safety issue if she had been behind the wheel, distracting her from driving and injuring her leg possibly causing an accident. The burning now happens every time I turn on the heated seat. After looking on the internet about this issue, many people have been having this problem and there is currently no recall for this vehicle. The local BMW dealer quoted me a price of around $700 to fix the heating element. I have not fixed the problem yet and do have the old malfunctioning part. Thank you for your time and keep up the great work! updated 12/20/10 received invoices. Updated 12/21/10.

58 Seats problem of the 2001 BMW X5

Failure Date: 10/01/2010

Failure of driver seat heating mechanism. Hole burned in bottom seat cushion and burn to occupant's (me) leg. This appears to be due to a short or break in the heating element. On-line research I've done indicates this is a widespread problem with this vehicle.

59 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 05/15/2010

We own a 2006 BMW X5. Within the last week when the driver's seat warmer was turned on, the left side of he seat heated up almost instantly, and burns the left thigh and buttocks area of the driver. My husband received a 3 inch burn on may 15,2010. Five days prior to this I was aware that an area of the driver's seat was burning me, and I immediately turned the warmer off. The warranty expired on our car in December.

60 Seats problem of the 2004 BMW X5

Failure Date: 02/06/2010

2004 BMW X5. Driver's side heated seat malfunctioned causing a burn in the seat and burned the pants of the driver. Contacted the BMW service center in raleigh, north carolina where the situation will be rectified soon.

61 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 12/15/2009

Just purchased the certified pre owned BMW X5. 2006 model and had it 1 day and the passenger side airbag light came on and would not go off. Returned car to BMW of dallas to have repaired. Approximately 40000 miles later at 68000 miles same light is on and will not go out.

62 Seats problem of the 2006 BMW X5

Failure Date: 01/06/2009

I've recently (less than 24 hours ago), purchased a 2006 BMW X5 with heated seats. Just this morning on my way to work, with the outside temperature less than 30f, I turn on the heated seats to the number ii position and after about 5 minutes, I start seeing smoke/steam rising up from my pelvic area. I could smell it was almost like plastic burning. I turned off the heated seats and pulled over immediately and after inspection, the lower seat left side bolster had a burn mark in it. I couldn't believe it. Although the car comes with only a 90day/3000 mile powertrain warranty from the purchasing dealer, I have not yet contacted them about it but I certainly plan to but with the expectation that they will deny coverage for any repairs.

63 Seats problem of the 2004 BMW X5

Failure Date: 12/01/2007

Driver side seat overheated and caused a burn to seat. When I contacted the dealer, they fixed the system but wanted to charge me approx$1000 for the seat cover. When I resisted the charge, they changed the seat cover at no charge. No previous complaints were found. Just checked your website an there seems to be a similar problem in raleigh nc. I sold the car in 2008.


Other Common Seats related problems of BMW X5


X5 Service Bulletins
X5 Safety Recalls
X5 Defect Investigations