Recall 17V605 affects 85,302 2006-2010 BMW X3 vehicles for a front passenger air bag occupant mat defect. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
BMW is recalling 85,302 2006-2010 X3 Sports Activity Vehicles because the front passenger seat occupant detection mat can fatigue and crack, causing the air bag system to fail. If that system fails in a crash, the passenger frontal air bag is deactivated, increasing injury risk; BMW dealers will repair the defect free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2006-2010 BMW X3 uses an occupant detection mat inside the front passenger seat cushion. That mat tells the air bag control system whether someone is sitting in the seat and helps decide if, and how, the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash.
On affected X3 vehicles, the mat can fatigue from repeated passenger entry and exit. Over time, small cracks can form in the mat and interrupt its conductive path. When that path breaks, the system can fail and deactivate the passenger air bags, leaving the front passenger without the intended air bag protection in a crash.
Owners should see warning lights before the system is deactivated. The air bag warning lamp and the passenger air bag on-off lamp illuminate to alert occupants that the passenger air bag system has been turned off.
Who's affected?
Every listed model year points to the same air bag system component.
| 2008 BMW X3 | air bag system |
|---|---|
| 2009 BMW X3 | air bag system |
| 2006 BMW X3 | air bag system |
| 2007 BMW X3 | air bag system |
| 2010 BMW X3 | air bag system |
| Units affected | 85,302 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the occupant detection system fails, a crash can leave the front passenger air bag deactivated, increasing injury risk. The air bag warning lamp and passenger air bag on-off lamp illuminate to alert occupants of the deactivation; treat those warnings as a reason to schedule service soon. Repair is free at any franchised BMW dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2006-2010 BMW X3 is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule the free occupant-detection-mat replacement that restores front passenger air bag sensing.
- Bring the recall notice if BMW sent one. If not, reference recall number 17V605 when you call.
- Avoid using the front passenger seat until the repair is complete, because the passenger air bag can stay deactivated in a crash if the mat fails.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a BMW technician replaces the front passenger seat occupant detection mat, which tells the air bag system whether and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy in a crash. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for a related seat mat repair before the recall notice, BMW's standard reimbursement plan covers eligible documented expenses. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the service desk and ask BMW customer service how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| September 28, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 28, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| September 28, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| November 20, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| November 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V605?
Recall 17V605 covers 85,302 2006-2010 BMW X3 vehicles with a front passenger seat occupant detection mat that can fatigue and crack. If the system fails, the front passenger air bag is deactivated in a crash, increasing injury risk. BMW dealers will replace the mat for free.
What should I do if my 2006-2010 BMW X3 is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific X3 is included in recall 17V605. If it is, contact a franchised BMW dealer to schedule replacement of the front passenger seat occupant detection mat. Reference recall number 17V605 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and BMW will replace the front passenger seat occupant detection mat free of charge at any franchised BMW dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is front passenger air bag deactivation during a crash. The occupant detection mat tells the vehicle whether and how the passenger frontal air bag should deploy. If that system fails, the air bag is deactivated, increasing the risk of personal injury.
What if I bought my BMW X3 used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific X3 is included, then call a franchised BMW dealer and reference recall number 17V605.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V605000 |
|---|---|
| BMW customer service | 1-800-525-7417 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V605 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V605000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →