repaired · 2020 Q3
Emission control: crankcase (pcv)
Risk. An electrical short can cause the parts within the PCV valve to melt, increasing the risk of a fire, even when the vehicle is not in use.
2006 BMW 525iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 77 owner complaints about the 2006 BMW 525i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-428 the manufacturer reports only 30% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 27, 2022. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 BMW 525i has problems
77 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
44Air bags2 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes
7Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
7Seat belts
5Exterior lighting
3Service brakes, hydraulic
3Engine and engine cooling
3Engine
2Visibility/wiper
1711 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 44 | 2 |
| Service brakes | 8 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 7 | 3 |
| Seat belts | 7 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 5 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 3 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 2 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 17 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2006 BMW 525i recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
repaired · 2015 Q3
Sensor: occupant classification
Risk. Should the system fail, in the event of a crash, the front passenger air bag would be deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do air bags problems start?
100kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 38 air bags complaints. 53% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles20under 100k miles18100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other 525i year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 525i median. How we score
'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 525i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER PASSPORT BMW (4730 AUTH PL, SUITLAND-SILVER HILL, MD 20746, [PHONE]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING A BOLT TIGHTENED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT…
RED AIRBAG LIGHT AND RED SEAT BELT LIGHT CAME ON AND THERE WAS A CHIME GOING OFF. PASSENGER SEAT OCCUPANCY MAT IS GIVING A FAULT CODE AND DISABLING THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HAD DRIVEN ONLY 4 1/2 MILES AT 6:55AM ON THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019. I WAS ABOUT 1/2 FROM WORK ON A CITY STREET WHEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING OUT THE AIR VENTS AND STEERING COLUMN. A SMELL OF PLASTIC, ELECTRICAL FILLED THE CAR AND I PULLED INTO THE NEAREST PLACE WHEN THE SMOKE…
Own a 2006 525i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.