NHTSA attached 2 advisories to recalls on this vehicle. Advisories apply to specific production runs — check your VIN with the manufacturer or at nhtsa.gov/recalls before driving it.
When it fails
100000100,000 milesMedian miles at failure
81 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000–105,000 miles.
Most common 2001 BMW 325i problems
46 of the 151 complaints (30%) are about the airbags.
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Air Bags · airbags
32
3
1
8
Electrical System
15
0
0
0
Exterior Lighting · headlights
13
0
3
0
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls
9
0
0
0
Air Bags › Side/Window · airbags
8
0
0
3
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan · engine
6
0
1
0
Air Bags › Frontal · airbags
6
0
0
2
Service Brakes · brakes
5
0
0
0
Power Train › Automatic Transmission · transmission
4
0
0
0
Power Train · transmission
4
0
0
0
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module20V018000Do not drive
Filed Jan 15, 2020292,948 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2005 323iT, 325iT, 325xiT, 320i, 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i and 330xi and 2000-2006 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe, 323Cic, 325Cic, 330Cic, and M3 Convertible vehicles equipped with non-desiccated frontal Takata PSAN inflators and PSPI passenger frontal air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger's front air bag, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module19V853000
Filed Nov 26, 201974,185 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2001 323i, 325i, 328i and 330i and 2000-2001 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, 323iT, and 325iT vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles may have received a replacement driver air bag as part of a vehicle repair. Due to a manufacturing issue, the replacement NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants. An underinflated air bag may not properly protect the occupant. These scenarios increase the risk of serious injury or death.
Remedy. BMW notified owners, and Dealers will replace the driver air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began November 10, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Filed Jun 11, 2018574,007 vehiclesBMW of North America, LLC
Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2000 323i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sports Wagons; 2000 328i sedans and coupes; 2001-2005 325i sedans, coupes, convertibles, and Sport Wagons; 2001-2005 325xi sedans and Sports Wagons; 2006 325i coupes and convertibles; 2001-2006 330i sedans, coupes, and convertibles; 2001-2005 330xi sedans; and 2001-2006 M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure that could cause the air bag inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure could cause rupturing of the inflator resulting in metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.
Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger side frontal air bag, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners in September 2014. A second notice was mailed when an adequate supply of parts became available, on December 1, 2014. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder07E023000
Filed Mar 29, 200713,128 vehiclesCardone Industries, Inc.
Defect. CERTAIN CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS WITH PART NUMBERS 10-2925, 10-2987, 10-2987MZA, 10-3083, 11-3015, 11-3042, 11-3044, 11-3045, 11-3047, 11-3064, AND 11-3156, AND WITH DATE CODES LOWER THAN DCA7078 SOLD AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR USE ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE. THE SEAL ON MASTER CYLINDER CAN FAIL AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.
Risk. LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy. CARDONE WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER TO REPURCHASE ANY DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDERS. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING APRIL 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT CARDONE AT 1-800-777-4780.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan02V138000
Filed May 16, 20021,550 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. THIS IS A SUPPLEMENT TO A RECALL THAT BEGAN DURING SEPTEMBER 2001 (SEE RECALL CAMPAIGN 01V206). OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System › Fan01V206000
Filed Jun 21, 200176,469 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN OPERATION, INCLUDING VARIABLE SPEED, IS ELECTRONICALLY CONTROLLED. FAILURE OF THE FAN MOTOR CAN CAUSE THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY OF THE FAN CONTROL UNIT TO OVERLOAD AND FAIL, CAUSING THE FAN TO STOP OPERATING.
Risk. IF THIS WERE TO OCCUR, ENGINE OVERHEATING AND SUBSEQUENT ENGINE DAMAGE COULD RESULT. IN ADDITION, IT IS POSSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE OF THE ELECTRICAL CIRCUITRY TO CAUSE A FIRE IN THE FAN CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE FRONT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FAN. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN SEPTEMBER 28, 2001. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
Filed Nov 20, 20001,914 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke
Defect. VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE MACHINE USED TO MOUNT AND INFLATE THE TIRES ON THE WHEELS AT THE ASSEMBLY PLANT MAY HAVE DAMAGED THE INNER RIM FLANGE OF THE WHEELS.
Risk. THIS COULD LEAD TO A SUDDEN LOSS OF AIR FROM THE TIRE AFFECTING HANDLING AND VEHICLE CONTROL.
Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FIVE WHEELS FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE. IF DAMAGE FROM THE MOUNTING MACHINE IS FOUND ON ANY WHEEL, ALL FIVE WHEELS WILL BE REPLACED.
All 7 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Aug 30, 2025CA
Steering wheel angle sensor internal abc-dsc issues, yellow light is on.. Is there a recall for this issue!? Also front door passenger side air bag is not working, I have used OBD reader to confirm all the above...
Air Bags
Filed Oct 31, 2024FL
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 20V018000 (Air Bags) and 17V047000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer Ferman BMW (31400 US Hwy 19 N, Palm Harbor, FL 34684); but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air Bags
Filed Aug 20, 2024195,000 milesCA
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325I. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was scanned using a hand-held diagnostic machine. The DTC code 02: Ignition Decay 1/Belt Tensioner Driver was retrieved. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 195,000.
EngineFire
Filed Aug 31, 2022188,000 milesNC
The contact owns a 2001 BMW 325i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked overnight and off, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact was alerted by her father that the vehicle was on fire. There were no occupants at the time of the fire. The entire front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene. It was unknown if there was a fire report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The father of the contact had a truck parked in front and due to the flames of the vehicle fire, it melted the front of the parked vehicle causing damage. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not driveable after the fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 188,000.
Electrical System
Filed Oct 4, 2021AZ
I am having a major electrical short in my trunk area affecting my critical tail lights functionalities and common trunk function. I cannot use my turning signals or brake lights or lights in general when driving my vehicle from the rear my lights are not operable. This is a huge safety concern and risk that’s need to be recalled affecting millions I'm for certain. Along with that I am having steering issue with my steering rack called “steering Wander”. Not being able to control you vehicle with supreme confidence is a issue which can easily lead to collisions.
Structure › BodyCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 9, 2020222,504 milesCA
WHEN SHIFTED TO REVERSE ENGINE RPMS WENT WIDEOPEN CAUSING IT TO SPIN OUT OF CONTROL FROM OUR DRIVEWAY INTO MOBILEHOME ACROSS FROM ME THEN INTO A VAN AND SHOVED IT INTO ANOTHER MOBILEHOME
Service Brakes
Filed Feb 11, 2020243,000 milesIL
I HAVE BEEN RECENTLY GETTING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL WHICH I AM GETTING DONE SOON. I NOTICED HOWEVER AN OLD RECALL ON SOME BMW 325IS STARTING IN 2001. AN ISSUE WITH THE HANDBRAKE... THE DATABASE IS SHOWING THAT MY VIN DOESN'T HAVE THIS ISSUE BUT I CAN SURE TELL YOU I HAD THIS ISSUE AND BAD. DRIVING 70 DOWN THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE HANDBRAKE CLAMP OR ADJUSTER... SOMETHING BROKE AND FELL INTO THE DRUM OF THE BRAKE DISC. IT THEN MADE A HORRIBLE NOISE AND FULLY DESTROYED THE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY AND SOUNDED LIKE A WASHING MACHINE FILLED WITH METAL. I TOOK THE DISC OFF AND FOUND ALL THE PARTS JUST INSIDE WRECKED. WAS THIS RECALL NOT COVERED FOR ENOUGH CARS OR DOES A RECALL EXPIRE? I LITERALLY FEEL THIS COULD'VE BEEN A SERIOUS ISSUE IF IT SOMEHOW HAD LOCKED A WHEEL!
Air Bags
Filed Oct 18, 201989,000 milesTX
RECALL NUMBER 19V698 COULD NOT BE VERIFIED USING VIN NO WBAAV33481F[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Service Brakes
Filed Aug 11, 201998,000 milesGA
EVER SINCE I'VE HAD THE CAR I HAVE HAD OVERHEATING PROBLEMS AFTER REPLACING THE WATER PUMP ALL THE HOSES HVAC HOSES UNDER THE MANIFOLD THE CAR STILL WANTS TO OVERHEAT I'VE BEEN IN TRAFFIC I'VE HAD THIS PROBLEM HAVING A I'M CARS BEHIND ME AND MY TEMPERATURE GAUGE GOING TO AGE AND I CAN'T CRANK THE CAR BECAUSE I DON'T WANT TO RUIN THE MOTOR I'VE HAD TO LET THE CAR COOL BE LATE FOR JOBS WORK AND OTHER THINGS APPOINTMENTS ARE THE CAR COOL DOWN AND I'VE HAD TO ADD COOLANT IN IT AT $20 A PIECE BY THE COOLANT RUNS RIGHT BACK OUT
Electrical System
Filed May 4, 2018TX
FAULTY TAIL LIGHTS- THE RIGHT TAIL BULB ASSEMBLY ON THE CAR GOT SO HOT IT MELTED ALONG WITH THE PLUG. I CALLED THE BMW HOT LINE 800-525-7417, THEY INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD 2 RECALLS FOR AIRBAGS, ALSO TOLD ME THAT THE CAR HAD A FAULTY TAIL LITE REPAIR IN 2002. I TRAILERED THE CAR ON 4/11/18 TO SEWELL GRAPEVINE BMW, WHERE SCOTT LORD IN THE SERVICE DEPT TOOK IT IN. I ASK FOR THEM TO FIND OUT ALSO ABOUT THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY MELTING & I LEFT THE PART WITH THE CAR. ON 4/11/18 I RENTED THE SAME TRAILER & WENT TO PICKUP THE CAR, (I LIVE 40 MLS FROM THERE). UPON TALKING WITH MR. LORD, THE 2 RECALLS WHERE PERFORMED & HE SAID THE TECHNICIAN LEFT BROCHURES IN THE CAR ON HOW THE MELTED TAIL LIGHT IS REPAIRED & THAT THE CAR IS TOO OLD FOR THEM TO DO IT. FIRST OFF, THANKS TO NHTSA WEB SITE, I LEARNED THAT THERE WHERE 210,000 OF THESE CARS RECALLED FOR THE SAME PROBLEM, BEGINNING WITH THE YEAR OF THIS CAR. 2ND, I 'VE NEVER KNOWN A RECALL TO EXPIRE UNTIL FIXED. I CALLED BMW RECALL BACK 5/2/18 & SHE SAID NO RECALLS ARE SHOWING NOW & THAT I'D HAVE TO CONTACT NHTSA, SO HERE I AM, DO THEY FIX IT, OR SHOULD I CONTACT A LAWYER? THANK YOU NHTSA! I'M GLAD THERE WAS NOT A CAN OF GAS IN THE TRUNK
EngineFire
Filed Apr 13, 2018LA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA AND INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE COOLING FAN FAILED AND THE VEHICLE OVERHEATED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TO BRIAN HARRIS BMW (12336 AIRLINE HWY, BATON ROUGE, LA 70817, (225) 754-1200). THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Air Bags2 injured
Filed Feb 16, 2018300,000 milesMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG INADVERTENTLY DEPLOYED. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED AN INJURED RIGHT ARM, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER (HERE IN GEAR BMW, I 55, JACKSON, MS) WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT. THE VIN WAS INVALID. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. *JS
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Feb 12, 2018300,000 milesMS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG ABRUPTLY AND WITHOUT AN IMPACT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE NO VISIBLE METAL FRAGMENTS; HOWEVER, THE DEPLOYMENT CAUSED DAMAGE TO THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR AND CEILING. IN ADDITION, THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE RIM WAS DAMAGED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED INJURIES TO THE CHEST AND NECK CAUSED BY THE FORCE OF THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 300,000. *TT *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 9, 2017100,049 milesVA
WILE IN MOTION ONE BRAKE WILL OPERATE AND CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO VEER TO THE SIDE WITH THE MOMENTARY LOCKED BRAKE THIS SAFETY PROBLEM IS CAUSED BY THE YAW CONTROL . THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY AND CITY STREETS STRAIGHT AHEAD OR TURNING.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 5, 2017CT
TAKATA RECALL. I'VE BEEN BOMBARDED WITH 'URGENT RECALL NOTICE' EMAILS (LASTLY 07/14 AND 07/20) AND POSTCARDS FROM BMW, NHTSA AND U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, ABOUT SAFETY RECALL' NOS. 17V-047 AND 13V-172/14V-428. AND MY WIFE RECEIVED A SIMILAR POSTCARD FROM 'BMW OF NORTH HAVEN.' ON AUGUST 10, RITA, BMW RECALL CENTER (1-877-432-7841) CONFIRMED THAT MY CAR WAS DUE FOR REPAIRS, AND ARRANGED FOR AN APPOINTMENT WITH 'BMW OF NEW LONDON,' 543 COLMAN ST, NEW LONDON, CT 06320, WHERE I'VE SPEND THE WHOLE MORNING ON AUGUST 18, ONLY TO BE TOLD BY NICK PARSON (STANDING IN FOR FREDDIE ILLAS, TAG NO.W959), THAT THE AIRBAGS IN MY VEHICLE WERE OF 'THE TYPES WHICH DID NOT NEED A REPLACEMENT', CLAIMED TO RETURN THE VEHICLE WITHOUT ANY AIR BAG ALTERATIONS, BUT ALSO DID NOT GIVE ME ANY WRITTEN CONFIRMATION THAT MY VEHICLE WAS SAFE. THEREFORE, I'VE TRIED TO INQUIRE ABOUT THIS SITUATION BY CONTACTING BY EMAIL [email protected] (CORRESPONDENCE 1-9923906859), WHERE KATIE G., AND SEVERAL OTHERS, ADVISED ME TO CALL 1-800-831-1117 (BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES DEPARTMENT), HOWEVER WITHOUT ANY EFFECT. THEN I'VE TALKED TO CRYSTEL, BMW RECALL HOTLINE (1-800-525-7417), WHO, AGAIN, DID NOTHING TO ANSWER MY SAFETY CONCERNS, BUT SWITCHED ME TO TALK TO SOMEONE ELSE, WHICH I FINALLY IGNORED. MOST IMPORTANTLY, I REQUEST A WRITTEN STATEMENT ABOUT THE CURRENT SAFETY STATUS OF MY VEHICLE, CLEAR EXPLANATION WHY I'VE BEEN FORCED TO BRING MY VEHICLE TO A BMW SERVICE STATION, AND FULLY COMPENSATE
Air Bags1 injured
Filed Jul 27, 2017206,862 milesGA
MY NAME IS [XXX], I OWN BMW 325I 2001, ON 17TH JULY 2017 , DRIVERS SIDE AND SHOULDER AIRBAGS DEPLOYED WHILE DRIVING WITH NO IMPACT , AFTER 911 CALL LAWRENCEVILLE POLICE OFFICER [XXX] PLACED A REPORT WITH DETAILS, ABOUT THIS ACCIDENT. I WILL ATTACH REPORT NUMBER, 5 WEEKS BEFORE IT HAPPEN I CHANGED 2 FRONT AIRBAGS AT NALLEY BWM ATLANTA. I CONTACTED ADVISOR [XXX], WAS ASKED TO BRING CAR TO SERVICE, AND SAID MY MODULE FAILED,BEFORE ASKED TO AUTHORIZE DIAGNOSTICS, WHAT I WILL ATTACH TO THIS MESSAGE. IM ASKING MORE INFORMATION WHAT I HAVE TO DO IN THIS SITUATION. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Air BagsCrashFire2 injured
Filed Mar 29, 2017100,000 milesAL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHIFTED TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD AND FLIPPED OVER SIX TIMES. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE CAUGHT FIRE, WHICH WAS EXTINGUISHED BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED A SPRAIN TO HER NECK AND BACK, CONSISTENT HEADACHES, AND INTERNAL BLEEDING FROM HER GALLBLADDER. THE OTHER PASSENGER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE NECK AND BACK, BUT SPECIFICS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Dec 9, 201697,000 milesCO
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET AND GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT. DRIVER WAS ONLY PERSON IN VEHICLE. AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND ALTHOUGH THE ACCIDENT WASN'T EXTREMELY SERIOUS, IT INJURED DRIVER TO THE POINT HE WAS ABOUT TO LOSE HIS EYE. DRIVER DIDN'T IMPACT HIS FACE WITH ANYTHING BUT THE AIRBAG THAT CAME OUT WITH TOO MUCH FORCE. INJURY REQUIRED HOSPITALIZATION OF SEVERAL DAYS (5).
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 22, 2016130,000 milesMI
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, BOTH REAR LIGHTS FAILED. THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Electrical System
Filed Mar 21, 2016180,125 milesCA
ALL 3 PASSENGER DOORS LOCK AND INTERMITTENTLY CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. THIS HAS TO DO WITH A FAULTY GM5 MODULE.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 1, 2015CA
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I SPORT WAGON. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS), HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. UPDATED 2/4/16 *CN
Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2015SC
"TAKATA RECALL".
Air Bags
Filed Sep 8, 2015NJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE RECALL PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 2015AZ
I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HENDERSON BMW IN NEVADA REGARDING THE TAKATA AIRBAG RECALL. THEY PUT AN AIRBAG IN MY VEHICLE THAT IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH MY SENSORS. KNOWINGLY AND DECEITFULLY, THEY PLACED THIS AIRBAG IN MY VEHICLE. THEN, THE AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND WHEN I CALLED, THEY SAID IF ITS A SENSOR PROBLEM, WE ARE NOT LIABLE BUT IF THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE AIRBAG WE INSTALLED, THEN WE WILL REPLACE. THERE WAS NO AIRBAG LIGHT ON WHEN I TOOK MY VEHICLE IN FOR THE RECALL. I TOOK MY CAR BACK TO HENDERSON BMW IN NEVADA SO THAT THEY COULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM AND THE LIGHT ISSUE. THEY CHARGED ME $170 (I DISPUTED THIS CHARGE) TO TELL ME IT IS A SENSOR PROBLEM, WHICH THEY KNEW BEFORE THEY EVEN INSTALLED THIS AIRBAG. THEY NOW WANT ME TO PAY 1200 TO CORRECT THIS SENSOR PROBLEM THAT THEY CREATED IN MY VEHICLE, KNOWINGLY. THEY WILL NOT TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAMAGE THEY KNOWINGLY CAUSED MY VEHICLE. FURTHER, BEFORE THIS RECALL, AT LEAST I HAD A DECENT CHANCE IN AN ACCIDENT. NOW, THEY R RISKING MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF MY PASSENGERS BECAUSE WITH THE AIRBAG LIGHT ON IN THE VEHICLE, THE AIRBAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY IN THE EVENT OF A COLLISION. SO, ALL THE TIME I SPENT :(20 HOURS); THE MILES I SPENT (600 MILES) THE MONEY I SPENT ON GAS (80); FURTHER, I AM DISABLED AND HAD TO HAVE SOMEONE TAKE ME TO HENDERSON, TWICE AND NOW THEY HAVE CHOSEN THEIR SIDE, AGAINST THE CONSUMERS WHO PURCHASE THEIR PRODUCTS AND I HAVE A PROBLEM THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR; HOWEVER, THEY WILL NOT STEP UP TO THE
Power Train
Filed Jun 9, 2015130,866 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED FORWARD AND BACKWARDS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,866.
Service Brakes
Filed May 23, 2015190,000 milesCA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, THE PASSENGER SIDE TAIL LIGHT BECAME INOPERABLE. IN ADDITION, THE HEADLIGHTS FLASHED INDEPENDENTLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS BECAME INOPERABLE INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 190,000.
Engine
Filed May 15, 2015MO
OIL LEAK AT THE VALVE COVER POTENTIALLY CAUSED BY BOLTS BEING OVER-TORQUED AS ASSEMBLY.
Electrical System
Filed Apr 2, 2015GA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V438000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Mar 9, 2015CA
2001 BMW 325I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS RECALL. *SMD THE CONSUMER HAS BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL AT GETTING THE AIR BAG RECALL RECTIFIED. RECALL # 14V428000. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Mar 6, 2015CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Feb 4, 2015159,000 milesAZ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE MADE SLIGHT CONTACT WITH THE FREEZER LOCATED IN THE GARAGE AND THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DEPLOYED INADVERTENTLY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 159,000.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 30, 2015NJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 14, 2015NY
TAKATA AIRBAG NO STOCK AT DEALERSHIP. NO REPAIR DATE WAS GIVEN SINCE SUMMER 2014. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Jan 12, 2015FL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Jan 8, 2015VA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS UNAVAILABLE TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO INFORM WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 18, 2014IL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Air Bags
Filed Dec 17, 2014CA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.
Power Train
Filed Dec 11, 2014NY
I AM HORRIFIED. I HAVE 135K MILES ON MY 2001 BMW 325I AND IT WILL NO LONGER REVERSE. I TOOK IT INTO THE TRANSMISSION GUY AND HE TOLD ME IT WOULD COST $4K TO REPAIR. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN VERY GOOD SHAPE, WITH BARELY ANY PROBLEM. HE ALSO SENT ME TO A WEBSITE WHERE APPARENTLY MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THE SAME TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. APPARENTLY THERE IS A WELL KNOWN FAILURE ESP WITH THE 2001 MODEL 3-SERIES. I BELIEVE A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR RECALL SHOULD BE BROUGHT AGAINST BMW. *TR
Air Bags
Filed Dec 9, 2014CA
2001 BMW 325I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE CONCERNING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG. *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. RECALL 14V428000. *JB
Air Bags
Filed Nov 24, 2014IL
EMAIL IN REGARDS TO HIS DISSATISFACTION WITH THE BMW AIRBAG RECALL; HE WAS INFORMED BY BMW THAT THEY STILL DO NOT HAVE THE REPLACEMENT AIRBAG AVAILABLE FOR HIS 2001 BMW 325I AND THEY ARE NOT GOING TO HONOR THEIR ORIGINAL COMMITMENT TO REPLACE IT. *TGW
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 18, 2014CO
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2001 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE RAN A RED LIGHT AND CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED AND STRUCK THE FRONT PASSENGER'S FACE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED EYE AND TOOTH INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Electrical System
Filed Jul 31, 201469,000 milesAZ
MY DOORS WON'T UNLOCK. I HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN LOCKED IN THE CAR, AND HAD TO CLIMB OUT MY WINDOW/SUNROOF. THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM MENTIONED ON MANY BMW ENTHUSIAST FORUMS. I WISH MORE OF THOSE WHO EXPERIENCE THIS PROBLEM WITH SUBMIT A COMPLAINT. I AM WORRIED ABOUT BEING IN AN ACCIDENT AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT OF MY CAR. SOMETIMES MY DOORS UNLOCK, SOMETIMES THEY DON'T. THIS IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE GM5 MODULE, AND A PERSON ONLINE EVEN SPECIALIZES IN FIXING IT SINCE IT IS SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM (HTTP://WWW.BMWGM5.COM). *TR
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Jul 8, 201495,000 milesCA
ABS AND BRAKE LIGHT ON. ACCORDING TO DEALERSHIP IT IS THE SZL (STEERING ANGLE SENSOR). *JS
Power Train
Filed Aug 3, 2013129,400 milesUT
MY CAR WAS FUNCTIONING PERFECTLY FINE THE MORNING OF THE INCIDENT. I WENT INTO A RESTAURANT AND WHEN I CAME OUT AND GOT INTO MY CAR AND TRIED TO BACK OUT OF THE PARKING LOT MY CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. THE ENGINE WOULD REV UP BUT NO MOVEMENT. I PUSHED IT OUT AND PUT IT INTO DRIVE AND THE CAR WORKS FINE BUT THERE IS NO REVERSE. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT IS A TRANSMISSION PROBLEM AND THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION HAS TO BE REPLACED. THE QUOTE I WAS GIVEN IS $6000! MY CAR HIGH BOOKS AT $5400. I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET AND FOUND THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON OCCURRENCE FOR THESE CARS AND BMW REFUSES TO RECOGNIZE IT AS A PROBLEM. NOW I'M STUCK WITH A CAR THAT I CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX NOR DO I WANT TO PUT MORE MONEY INTO THE CAR THAN IT WILL EVER BE WORTH. I NEED HELP! *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jun 19, 2013160,000 milesCA
RIGHT SIDE REAR LIGHTS BURNED OUT REPLACED BULBS NOTHING HAPPENED UNPLUGGED THE HARNESS TO FIND #4 PRONG COMPLETELY BURNED AWAY ON CAR CHECKED THE LEFT SIDE AND THE SAME THING IS HAPPENING IT IS GETTING HOT AND LOOKS LIKE IT IS READY TO BURN OUT ALSO. *TR
Exterior Lighting
Filed Mar 3, 2013177,600 milesSC
I OWN A 2001 BMW 325I. THE GROUND WIRES FOR THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY BURNED OUT, CAUSING THE LIGHTS TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THE FAILURE. THE REPAIRS WOULD INCLUDE ADDING A GROUND WIRE TO THE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE WHO ADVISED TEH CONTACT THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR HIS VEHICLE AND OFFERED NO OTHER ASSISTANCE.
Electrical System
Filed Feb 11, 2013100,000 milesCA
HEADLIGHTS FLICKER ON AND OFF WHILE DRIVING. TAIL LIGHTS AND BRAKE LIGHTS NON-FUNCTIONAL. I BELIEVE THIS IS AN ISSUE RELATED TO PREVIOUS RECALL OF BMW'S RECALLED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 11V438000. I CALLED BMW WHICH TOLD ME MY CAR WAS NOT COVERED UNDER THAT RECALL. I BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD BE. *TR
Electrical System
Filed Jan 6, 2013TN
RIGHT SIDE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED IN THE MANNER DESCRIBED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 11V438000. THIS VEHICLE WAS MANUFACTURED IN 2000-10-30 AND THAT CAMPAIGN APPLIES TO VEHICLES MANUFACTURED AFTER 09-2001. *TR
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 17, 2012100,000 milesNC
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHT SENSOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE BRAKE LIGHTS HAD FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED TO CONTACT NHTSA FOR ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 10, 2012137,000 milesNJ
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS DASHBOARD BEGAN TO ILLUMINATE INDICATING LIGHT FAILURE AND IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED THE HEADLIGHTS ON AND THEY BEGAN TO FLASH. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO REMEDY THE FAILURE BY UNPLUGGING THE REAR BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED OF A RECALL FOR THIS FAILURE BUT THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 137,000. ...UPDATED 10/17/12 *BF
Complaints 1-50 of 151, newest first, reproduced as filed.
NHTSA has issued a do-not-drive warning for a recall on this vehicle.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jan 15, 2020. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.