2003 BMW M3 air bags problems
15 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the air bags on the 2003 BMW M3 — 28% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2003 BMW M3. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was…”
filed Aug 18, 2025
“Takata recall. Nothing has happened yet to my 2003 bmw m3, but reading about the takata recall and what the airbags are capable is scaring me to death. My 5 year nephew loves riding around town in his uncle's "race car". Even though I rarely go faster than the speed limit, you would never know by…”
filed Aug 22, 2017
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term…Campaign 20V018000 · Jan 15, 2020
- Air BagsCampaign 14V428000 · Jun 11, 2018
- Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with…Campaign 15V318000 · May 28, 2015
- Air BagsCampaign 13V172000 · May 2, 2013
Related service bulletins
Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs this service information bulletin supersedes si b01 31 18 dated october 2018.
B013118 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2019Takata air bag recall-related short-term alternate transportation and consequential repairs this service information bulletin supersedes si b01 31 18 dated october 2018.
B013118 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 1, 2019Takata class action settlement. Customer support program. Front driver side airbag modules.
B011618 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 1, 2019
Air Bags problems in other M3 years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2011 M3 | 6 | 19% |
| 2009 M3 | 8 | 18% |
| 2008 M3 | 9 | 11% |
| 2004 M3 | 9 | 29% |
| 2002 M3 | 7 | 18% |
| 1997 M3 | 3 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 BMW M3
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.