Driver airbag warning light illuminated. Vehicle was diagnosed at BMW of Sherman Oaks (RO# 176741) and confirmed as a faulty driver airbag module - part# 32-30-6-870-366. BMW technician found fault code 930904: Driver's airbag interval stage 1, resistance too high stored. BMW NA declined goodwill repair assistance despite the failure occurring within 20 days of warranty expiration. This is a safety-critical federally mandated system. Multiple BMW i3 owners in online communities report the same issue and reference TSB SI B65 18 16 as a known defect related to a cable being too short. I believe this may be a widespread defect affecting 2014-2018 BMW i3 vehicles that warrants investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11743788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Summary On September 30, 2025, the passenger in a 2017 BMW i3 REX was involved in a severe frontal collision with a Gas Company Utility Vehicle. The impact struck the driver’s side extending toward the passenger side, causing the vehicle to spin violently and nearly flip. The passenger reports seatbelt failure with excessive slack, leading to partial ejection from the seat, mid-thigh restraint, and collision with the steering wheel. The head lodged under the steering column, resulting in loss of consciousness and a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) with ongoing neurological issues. Only the driver’s curtain and seat airbags deployed; the steering wheel and passenger frontal airbags did not. Seatbelt Failure Analysis Seatbelts in modern vehicles like the BMW i3 include retractors and pretensioners designed to lock and tighten upon impact detection via accelerometers. Excessive slack, as described, suggests a malfunction in the pretensioner system, which failed to eliminate belt looseness during the high-G force event. This allowed forward momentum to propel the occupant, exacerbating injuries. Common issues in BMW i3 models include seatbelt twisting and retractor malfunctions, as reported in owner forums and repair services. Pretensioner failures can stem from sensor errors, mechanical wear, or manufacturing defects. In this crash’s severity, proper function should have secured the occupant, preventing ejection and secondary impacts. Airbag Failure Analysis The BMW employs a supplemental restraint system (SRS) with frontal, side, curtain, and seat airbags, triggered by crash sensors evaluating impact direction and force. Non-deployment of the passenger frontal and steering wheel airbags in a near-head-on collision indicates potential system failure. Possible causes include faulty occupant classification system (OCS) mats that misdetect presence/weight, leading to deactivation; sensor malfunctions; or wiring issues. A 2017 NHTSA recall (17V-720).
NHTSA complaint #11705719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine and the air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the fuel filler had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.
NHTSA complaint #11656031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing to bring to your attention a persistent issue I have been facing with my 2014 BMW i3, VIN: [XXX] . Unfortunately, I have been experiencing an airbag and/or seatbelt alert problem identified as "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" with the error code 930904 displayed on the dashboard. I have attached supporting documentation, including images and information from the BMW Service Bulletin, which clearly outlines that the error code 930904 is a known and routine problem for my specific vehicle model, thus a Service Bulletin was issued by BMW, as you can see attached from BMW’s website. It has come to my attention, through online forums and discussions within the BMW i3 community, that others have successfully resolved this issue under the terms of the service bulletin, but for some reason I keep getting the runaround. Regrettably, despite my efforts to address this matter with BMW USA on three separate occasions since October 2023, I have not received a satisfactory resolution. Instead, I have been redirected to BMW Authorized Dealerships, where I am faced with unjustifiable diagnostic fees and repair costs. It is perplexing to me that other members of the BMW community have had their issues resolved under the service bulletin at no cost, while I am being subjected to unnecessary expenses. To provide you with a clear overview: 1. The error code 930904 is documented in the BMW Service Bulletin for my 2014 BMW i3 REX. 2. Other BMW i3 owners have successfully had this issue resolved under warranty through the service bulletin. 3. BMW USA and its authorized dealerships have been uncooperative in acknowledging and addressing this known issue. I visited my local BMW dealership in Rochester, NY, on 10-10-23, only to be informed that they could not locate the referenced code and insisted on charging me a diagnostic fee and an additional $1,800 for the repair. Are you kidding me? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11562353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am writing regarding an ongoing issue I am having with BMW North America and their dealerships concerning a faulty airbag in my 2014 BMW i3 electric vehicle (VIN #: [XXX] ). On multiple occasions in October 2023, BMW North America informed me that the "Driver Restraint System Malfunction" alert in my vehicle could be repaired under a Service Action extension (code SIB010818/DC3234908400) that covers airbag issues in vehicles under 10 years old and 100,000 miles. See pictures of the issue/alert on dash attached. However, when I brought my vehicle to two local BMW dealerships (in Rochester and Syracuse, NY), they either claimed the Service Action code did not exist or that I would need to pay a diagnostic fee of $250 AND $1,800 to fix the airbag and seatbelt issue out of pocket, despite BMW North America saying this should be covered. As a disabled person on a fixed income, I cannot afford to gamble hundreds of dollars on diagnostic fees when BMW North America has already provided the Service Action code that should cover the necessary airbag repair. This is not only a financial burden but a safety concern, as I am being forced to drive a vehicle with a known airbag defect. I am reaching out to request your help resolving this issue with BMW as this issue with my BMW i3 is VERY routine and all over the internet and the BMW i3 forums as BMW clearly failed its very basic duties in protecting USA consumers with this vehicle and its numerous issues. Airbags and seatbelts are NOT issues consumers should have to gamble with due to the failures of BMW in properly producing a vehicle that would avoid such serious problems as clearly prevalent to a lot of owners of this make and model. I look forward to your assistance in this urgent matter. Please let me know if you need any additional information from me. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11551921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My bmw i3 has a faulty wiring harness or some other defect that is causing my car to turn off the airbag system. This is a chronic issue with bmw i3’s. Either the wiring harness is bad or the airbag becomes too stiff and the car deactivated the entire airbag system. Dangerous!
NHTSA complaint #11539172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
"Driver restraint system malfunction" light came on today. BMW i3's have had recalls in their past models due to design flaws in their airbag systems and assembly. While my car's year hasn't had a recall, searching the web shows that this issue is extremely common on BMW cars. And when the car is out of warranty (after 3 years), the cost for fixing this issue is exhorbitant. BMW should be pushed to fix this issue at no cost versus charging customers thousands for their faulty safety system design.
NHTSA complaint #11505089 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2016 BMW I3. The contact stated that the driver restraint warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed by the dealer, and the contact was informed that the front driver’s side air bag system was defective and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 57,000.
NHTSA complaint #11502605 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Involved in a frontal collision and air bag did not deploy. Airbag could've prevented more serious injuries suffered. I contacted the service center at BMW Roseville and left a message for the service manager, no return call. The vehicle has been inspected by an insurance authorized collision center and is considered totaled. There were no warning there was a problem and didn't appear until the collision happened and it didn't deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11439937 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am the owner of my BMWi3. We live in a retirement community in Florida and it is the perfect vehicle for driving the short commutes of our daily activities. December 27, 2020 I ordered (from Amazon) SUNTUE Buckles Extender,Universal Fit for 7/8'' Metal Tongue, Extension Socket Connector with E11 Safety Certified -2 Pack. The purpose was to make it easier to fasten the seat belts. We are in our 70’s and it is difficult to reach down to fasten the belt. Our fingers are not as nimble as when we were young. I installed them in mid-January 2021 and a few days later the message appeared: “Driver restraint system malfunction. Continue wearing safety belt. Consult nearest service center.” Shortly after the warning appeared, I removed the extenders and thought the warning would go away. However, it continued to appear. After seeing the message for several months, I called BMW for an appointment to clear the message. September 23, 2021, I paid $160.10 for a diagnostic test, and the BMW Service Advisor told me the SRS – Airbag Driver Front: high resistance in driver airbag must be replaced. He assured me the problem is NOT related to the seat belt extenders. The advisor said the air bag would have to be ordered and gave an estimate of over $1,300. I had to sign papers stating the airbag is not safe. I searched on-line for other BMWi3 owners who have had similar experiences. I found that some other owners have had the airbag message. I then searched for “replacement of air bags” and was surprised to find that it is rarely necessary to replace the bags “because they won’t wear out.” My BMW has 35,600 miles; it is always garaged, and has not been in an accident, therefore, I do not understand what would cause my airbag system to indicate it must be replaced.
NHTSA complaint #11435589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint failure/seat sensor not registering occupant. Yes, it is a available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure to deploy airbag or airbag may deploy on a child under weight limit to register occupancy. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Warning lamps appeared at the beginning of April. Took the vehicle to independent mechanic. Mechanic instructed us to visit BMW dealership for evaluation. Took the vehicle to Gebhardt BMW in Boulder, CO on May 5th for evaluation. Vehicle was returned to us on May 7th. Codes indicated failure of passenger seat sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11417984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Passenger restraint failure/seat sensor not registering occupant. Yes, it is a available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Failure to deploy airbag or airbag may deploy on a child under weight limit to register occupancy. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Warning lamps appeared at the beginning of April. Took the vehicle to independent mechanic. Mechanic instructed us to visit BMW dealership for evaluation. Took the vehicle to Gebhardt BMW in Boulder, CO on May 5th for evaluation. Vehicle was returned to us on May 7th. Codes indicated failure of passenger seat sensor.
NHTSA complaint #11417984 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ONLY 5 YEARS OLD 41K MILES, MINT CONDITION, WHILE DRIVING THE LIGHT CAME ON SAYING "DRIVER RESTRAINT SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. AFTER CHECKING ALL THE I3 BLOGS THIS SEEMS TO BE AN ONGOING ISSUE. I TOOK MY CAR OVER TO BMW TODAY, THEY LOOKED AT IT AND SAID THE AIRBAG HAS MALFUNCTIONED SAME THING AS THE BLOGS ARE OUTLINING. I WAS ADVISED BUT THE SERVICE PERSON THAT IT WOULD BE 1800.00 I TOLD HIM THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE I3 AND ITS ALL OVER THE BLOGS, HE ACKNOWLEDGED HIS AWARENESS, IN ADDITION AIRBAGS SHOULD BE GOOD FOR 10 YEARS / GUARANTEED? ANYWAY I EMAILED THE FOLLOWING BMW NORTH AMERICAN MANAGEMENT ASKING WHY THIS IS NOT A RECALL. BERNHARD KUHNT - PRESIDENT AND CEO OF NORTH AMERICA/BMW GROUP REGION AMERICAS RICHARD HART - WARRANTY DEPARTMENT HEAD NORTH AMERICA SHAUN BUGBEE - EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT BMW THE HAVE JUST BEEN ALLOWING PEOPLE TO FIX THEIR DEFECTIVE AIRBAG, AS THEY INSTALLED SUBSTANDARD EQUIPMENT ON A $50K CAR. ANYWAY THIS NEEDS TO BE LOOKED INTO I HAVE PICTURES OF THE WARNING BUT IT WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO UPDATE AS THEY ARE TOO BIG AND I DON'T KNOW HOW TO COMPRESS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND SERVICE..
NHTSA complaint #11390432 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.