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 525xiProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 28 owner complaints about the 2006 BMW 525xi, 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 March 29, 2023. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2006 BMW 525xi has problems
28 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
13Air bags
6Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
4Service brakes
3Engine
2Seat belts
2Seats
1Vehicle speed control
1Engine and engine cooling
1Service brakes, hydraulic
11 other systems
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 13 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 6 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| 1 other systems | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2006 BMW 525xi 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.
Best & worst years
2006 vs. every other 525xi 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 525xi median. How we score
'06'07'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 525xi owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
COMPUTER DRAWING DOWN BATTERY AND CAR WILL NOT START SEEMS TO HAPPEN MORE WHEN IT'S DAMP AND RAINING THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE CAR IS PARKED PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON BMW WOULD LIKE $2500. TO REBOOT COMPUTER I THINK ITS A SCAM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 BMW 525XI. WHILE AN OCCUPANT WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT THE AIR BAG AND SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAGS AND SEAT BELT WERE INOPERABLE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE PASSENGER SEAT DETECTION MAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE…
THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHED AND SUDDENLY REMAINED ILLUMINATED. IT IS RELATED TO THE CAMPAIGN #13V564000. I CONTACTED BMW AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VEHICLE IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL FOR THIS CAMPAIGN. I BELIEVE IT SHOULD BE AS MY SYMTOMS ARE THE SAME AS LISTED IN THE CAMPAIGN.
Own a 2006 525xi?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.