The contact owns a 2005 BMW 525I. The contact stated that the passenger seat sensor was reset under NHTSA campaign number 08V384000 (air bags); however, the failure was not corrected. The front passenger air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for further inspection and the air bag sensor was reset again. The air bag light remained illuminated and the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000 and the approximate current mileage 102,000.

- Accokeek , MD, USA

Passenger restraint system error came up two days after buying this serviced BMW at BMW of fairfax, va, pre owned dealer. This happened when the passenger sat in passenger seat for the first time and kept staying on since. In reference to this there is a recall for all 04-06 5 series for a faulty seat mat (NHTSA campaign number 08V384000) and I have also contacted NHTSA by phone, reference # 521-787. I went to the local dealer and I was told that for some reason my VIN is not included in the recall and that I should contact the manufacturer. When I contacted the manufacturer their response was the same, that my VIN is not included in the recall and that since my car is not under warranty anymore there's nothing they can do for me even after I mentioned the recall campaign associated with your investigation. When asked why my VIN was not included (since it is obvious that my car has the same faulty device) I was told that they have conducted an extensive investigation and they concluded that some cars should not be included. I don't know how they are allowed to do that since obviously there are cars with the same problem that they have excluded (I am also referring to the several other complaints filed with NHTSA for the same reason). The manufacturer should not rip off owners by charging them or forcing them to rely on expensive warranty for already heavily overpriced work that has to be done to replace faulty parts that they have put in. They shouldn't be allowed to have this loophole where they claim that not all the vins are included when it is obvious that they should be included. The manufacturer should be held responsible for faulty devices they put in the car especially when it comes to safety.

- Washington, DC, USA

On 12/5/2011 - when I started the car, I noticed the message on my dashboard indicating a fault on passenger restraint system. There was not any incident that I can recall that would result in the error message. After further research, I discovered that the error message was a common fault on these type of cars due to a faulty mat sensor located under the front passenger seat. I also found out that there was a recall for some BMW cars of the same model (dependent of VIN). My husband immediately called BMW of fremont (northern ca) to inquire about the recall and I was told by the service advisor that he was not aware of such recall. I use this car daily to drop off our kids to school. I honestly think the issue really poses a serious threat on my kids safety since there is a high possibility that the air bags will not deploy in case of an accident. Lastly, I also think that BMW na should fix this issue free of charge since it is becoming to be a common problem to BMW cars (especially the model series that I have). It would be greatly appreciated if you can assist me resolve the issue with BMW na.

- Union City, CA, USA

While driving with my family over the weekend, I noticed the passenger air bag and seat belt light illuminate on the dash. The idrive stated there was a malfunction in the pass air bag. I took my car to the nearest dealer the next morning after finding that this is an ongoing/ common issue with the 5 series. But what I don't get is why is my vehicles VIN not included"? it's obvious this is a defect with the production of these vehicles so why should myself or any other owner be responsible for this expensive repair? why are there only certain vehicles included" then I find out that if I'm in a crash, my passenger will not be protected!! this is not fair to owners and BMW should be held fully responsible. Another thing I don't understand is that I have a recall on the battery cables and that's covered! I read online that certain vehicles depending on the production date (thru 11/2005) are covered under the airbag recall. Well my BMW was manufactured in 11/2004! again, I don't understand why my VIN isn't covered. Not fair!! please help.....

- Melrose Park, IL, USA

I was leaving the bowing alley and noticed the restraint system malfunction light was on and it will not go off. I called the company in reference to a recall about the same problem, however, they claim that my VIN # isn't covered under the recall id # 73379 or NHTSA campaign number 08V384000. It is very disheartening to save up and buy your dream car to only have it to malfunction in a months time. I don' T have any faith or trust in the BMW company and will not recommend them to anyone. They are not loyal to their customers and fail to stand by their product. I will go back to Ford.

- Grovetown, GA, USA

The contact owns a 2005 BMW 5 series. The contact stated that the passenger side air bag warning lamp illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the sensor pressure mat on the passenger side seat was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 34,000.

- Honolulu, HI, USA