Service Bulletin

2021-2023 BMW X5/X6/X7 Airbag Warning Light TSB

A manufacturer communication addresses a check control message for the restraint system and a red airbag warning light in 2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, and X7 vehicles, often linked to DTCs 930949 or 93094F. This 2021 BMW X5 manufacturer_communication details potential knee airbag short circuits.

ByAhmet Topcu — Founder & Editor-in-ChiefAutomated summary2021 BMW X5
2021 BMW X5 — 2021 BMW X5 manufacturer_communication
Editorial illustration generated for this article.
BMW X5 airbag warning lightBMW X6 restraint system messageBMW X7 DTC 930949BMW X5 knee airbag short circuit93094993094FACSM (air bag control unit)check control message for the restraint systemred air bag warning light lights up permanentlyKnee airbag, driver: short circuit to negative terminal
BMW X5
2022
BMW X6
2021–2022
BMW X7
2021–2023

BMW has issued a manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10218382, concerning a potential issue with the restraint system in certain 2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, and X7 vehicles. Owners may observe a "check control message for the restraint system" and a

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 'check control message for the restraint system' mean in my BMW?
This message, often accompanied by a permanently lit red airbag warning light, indicates a detected fault within the vehicle's airbag or seatbelt restraint system. It requires immediate attention from a qualified technician to ensure proper safety system function.
What are fault codes 930949 and 93094F related to?
Fault code 930949 specifically indicates a 'Knee airbag, driver: short circuit to negative terminal'. Similarly, fault code 93094F points to a 'Knee airbag, front passenger: short circuit to negative terminal'. Both codes suggest an electrical issue with the knee airbags, as detailed in the 2021 BMW X5 manufacturer_communication.
Which BMW models are affected by this airbag warning light issue?
This manufacturer communication, NHTSA ID 10218382, applies to 2021-2023 BMW X5, X6, and X7 models. If you own one of these vehicles and experience a restraint system warning, your vehicle may be affected.
What should I do if I see the red airbag warning light or a restraint system message?
If you observe a 'red air bag warning light lights up permanently' or a 'check control message for the restraint system', it is recommended to contact your authorized BMW dealership. They can diagnose the issue, check for relevant fault codes like 930949 or 93094F, and perform any necessary repairs according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

What BMW X5 owners report

Counted from the records in our database across 27 model years.

3,423
Owner complaints
114
Recalls
1,651
Service bulletins
120
Crashes reported
159
Fires reported
132
Injuries reported

The 2021 model year

112 complaints, the 14th most of 27 model years on file. Owners reported 10 crashes, 3 fires and 7 injuries for this year, which also has 12 recalls on file.

Electrical System and Air Bags, the system this article covers, accounts for 1,222 of 3,423 complaints (36%), including 46 for 2021.

Complaints by model year

Model years with the most complaints for the BMW X5
2001160
2006195
2008235
2009157
2011331
2012295
2013162
2015152
2019194
2021112

Most-reported systems

  1. Engine — 749
  2. Air Bags — 663
  3. Electrical System — 587
  4. Power Train — 475
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 335

Latest recalls for the 2021 model year

  • 22V267000 — Visibility (Apr 2022)
  • 21V156000 — Seats (Mar 2021)
  • 21V096000 — Back Over Prevention (Feb 2021)
All 2021 recalls →

Recent owner reports about electrical system and air bags

My 2021 BMW X5 xDrive40i Sport (112,000 miles) intermittently fails to start, occurring on approximately 80% of start attempts, and displays the message "Repeat Start Attempt." The issue first occurred on September 8, 2026, while the vehicle was parked at my…

2021 BMW X5 owner, Sep 2026

The starter motor malfunctioned, which then prevented the car from starting when it was hot. It could only be started after it had completely cooled down. Additionally, the fault code indicated that there was a problem with the starter motor.

2021 BMW X5 owner, Sep 2026
Read owner complaints →

Complaints are owner reports filed with NHTSA. They are unverified, and counts depend on how many vehicles were sold, so they are not a failure rate.

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