2002 Bmw 325i

Do not drive

Owners filed 162 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the air bags. It has been recalled 7 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

90 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 90,000105,000 miles; the median is 80,100 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Air Bags44
111
Exterior Lighting32
0100
Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls12
000
Electrical System8
020
Power Train › Automatic Transmission6
000
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights4
010
Engine and Engine Cooling4
000
Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices3
001
Structure3
000
Exterior Lighting › Tail Lights3
000

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 Bags14V428000Do not drive
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].

Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module15V318000Do not drive
Filed May 28, 2015419,235 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2002-2005 325i, 325xi, 330i, and 330xi Sedans, and 325xi and 325i Sportswagons, 2002-2006 330Ci, 325Ci, and M3 Convertibles and 325i, 330i, and M3 Coupes, 2002-2003 M5, 540i, 525i Sedan, and 530i Sedans, and 540i and 525i Sportswagons, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Remedy. Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

Air Bags13V172000Do not drive
Filed May 2, 201343,204 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW is recalling certain model year 2002-2003 325i, 325xi, 330i, 330xi sedans; 325Ci and 330Ci coupes and convertibles; 325iT and 325xiT Sports Wagons; and M3 coupes and convertibles to address a safety defect in the passenger side frontal air bag which may produce excessive internal pressure causing the 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, the inflator could rupture with 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 intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal11V438000
Filed Aug 26, 2011241,000 vehiclesBmw Of North America, Llc

Defect. BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2002-2005 325I, 325XI, 330I, AND 330XI VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2001, THROUGH MARCH 1, 2005. OVER TIME, RESISTANCE IN THE ELECTRICAL CONTACTS MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE REAR LAMP FUNCTIONS (TAIL LIGHT, BRAKE LIGHT, AND/OR TURN-SIGNAL), WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.

Risk. INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Remedy. BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

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.

Suspension02V057000
Filed Feb 19, 20024,672 vehiclesBayerische Motoren Werke

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, DURING THE STRUT MOUNT MANUFACTURING PROCESS, THE THRUST BEARING WAS NOT PROPERLY POSITIONS AND SECURED. IF THE SUSPENSION IS FULLY UNLOADED, THE FRONT STRUT COULD SEPARATE FROM THE UPPER MOUNT.

Risk. THIS COULD AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING AND CONTROL, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPLACE BOTH FRONT SPRING STRUT UPPER MOUNTS. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MARCH 15, 2002. 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.

What owners reported

Newest filings
EngineFire
Filed Nov 17, 2025168,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325i. The contact stated that upon exiting the store, he observed fire emerging from the driver's side dashboard. The vehicle spontaneously combusted and was engulfed in flames. There was no warning light illuminated prior to the failure. The fire department was able to successfully extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported. The vehicle was still in the parking lot where the incident occurred. A police officer was on the scene, but no report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the automated system confirmed there was no recall coverage. The approximate failure mileage was 168,000.

Structure › BodyFire
Filed Jul 7, 2023NC

On Tuesday June 20, 2023 at 7:20am I was awakened by my neighbor who informed me that my car was on fire. A report was done by the fire department and they did not believe it was done on purpose but something with my car. My car was totally consumed with fire nothing but ashes.

Air Bags
Filed Jan 13, 2022CA

I got a notice in the mail for an airbag recall. I called the number (877-225-0472) in early December. I was told to call Fremont BMW (510-360-5902) The first question they asked was: Did you buy your vehicle from us? I told them that the car is not currently registered. They told me to schedule a tow on my mobile phone. I don't have a mobile phone. The notice said that some of the dealers have mobile service where they come to your house. They said they would get back to me. That was over a month ago. I don't think BMW is taking this recall seriously.

Air Bags
Filed Dec 22, 2020161,000 milesCA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V018000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, SHORTLY AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS PERFORMED, THE AIR BAGS WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BMW OF ONTARIO (1350 AUTO CENTER DR, ONTARIO, CA 91761; (909) 402-3052) AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 161,000.

Air Bags
Filed Feb 24, 2020PA

I HAVE MADE SEVERAL APPOINTMENTS WITH SWICKLEY PA DEALERSHIP TO FIX THE PROBLEM WITH NO SUCCESS. THEY NEVER SHOW UP OR CALL TO CANCEL .THEY SET UP 3 RENTAL CAR DELIVERY DAYS NEVER CAME. I'VE BEEN DEALING WITH THIS PROBLEM FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. I'VE EVEN SAID DON'T WORRY ABOUT RENTAL JUS TO HURRY AND GET DONE AND THEY STILL DON'T COME. I'VE CALLED OFF FOR THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND STILL IT'S NOT DONE. SINCE I'VE BEEN FIRED BECAUSE OF THIS AND STILL NOT FIXED. THE LAST TIME I CALLED THE SHOCKLEY DEALERSHIP SAID NOW THEY WON'T DO IT BECAUSE I'M UNHAPPY WITH THERE SERVICE. I REALLY WOULD LIKE THE PROBLEM REMEDY BEFORE SOMEONE GETS HURT FROM THE RECALL. I AM A SINGLE FATHER OF 2 AND I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD FOR ME OR KIDS TO B INJURED IN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT FROM INSIDE THE CAR. A SMALL ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE SERIOUS DAMAGE FROM WHAT I UNDERSTAND. I AM GOING TO TRY TO CONTACT BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU NEXT

Electrical System
Filed Nov 5, 2019120,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. AFTER RESTARTING THE ENGINE, THE VEHICLE OPERATED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.

Air Bags
Filed Jul 27, 2019NJ

AIRBAG LIGHT STILL ON IN DASH EVEN AFTER DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG WAS REPLACED BY DEALER, DURING RECALL.

Exterior Lighting
Filed May 9, 201980,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TAIL LIGHTS FAILED TO FUNCTION. THE TAIL LIGHT WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED BY THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Mar 24, 2019130,000 milesWA

ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 I LEND MY CAR TO MY SON SO HE COULD RUN SOME SCHOOL RELATED ERRANDS HE NEEDED TO ATTEND TO. THAT DAY HE HAD ALSO TAKEN MY DAUGHTER WITH HIM AS THEY WERE GOING TO HAVE LUNCH AFTER HE HAD FINISHED ALL OF THE ERRANDS HE HAD TO DO FOR THAT DAY. AROUND 3:10 P.M. MY SON GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHICH HAD CAUSED BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS TO DEPLOY. SOON AFTER THE ACCIDENT A NOTICEABLE CUT WAS NOTICED ON MY DAUGHTER LEFT CHEEK WHICH WAS CAUSED FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT.

Air BagsFire
Filed Oct 24, 2018168,000 milesKY

ON WEDNESDAY, SEOTEMBER 26 2018 - MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED OUTSIDE SINCE FRIDAY, SEPT 21. IT HAD RAINED A GREAT DEAL THAT WEEKEND. AT 1:00 IN THE AFTERNOON, I WENT TO GET IN THE CAR AND THE WINDOWS WERE BLACK FROM THE INSIDE. I HAD BEEN SMELLING A STRANGE ELECTIRCAL BRUNING SMELL ALL DAY. I DID NOT OPEN THE DOOR. I CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT.THEY ARRIVED AND INVESTIGATED. THE INSIDE OF THE CAR ON THE DRIVERS SIDE DASH WAS COMPLETELY MELTED AND THE DASH WAS STILL ON FIRE INSIDE. THE PILLAR AIRBAG HAD EXPLODED AND MELTED AND HAD SPEWED PLASTIC ON THE FRONT SEATS. THE UPPER DRIVER SIDE CORNER AREA OF THE WINDSHEILD WAS BROKEN FROM THE INSIDE AS THOUGH SOMETHING HAD CATAPLULTED INTO IT FROM BELOW. THE PILLAR BAG INFLATOR WAS FOUND ON THE FLOOR OF THE CAR AND WAS BURNT IN THE BOTTOM. THE DRIVER DOOR PANEL HAD DEPLOYED. THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS

Air Bags
Filed Jul 19, 2018NJ

2002 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIR BAG SAFETY RECALL. CONSUMER STATES THAT THEY WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF RECALL. *LD *JS *JS

Electrical System › Wiring
Filed Dec 6, 2017141,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE BLOWER MOTOR EXPERIENCED A FAILURE FOR THE THIRD TIME AFTER BEING REPAIRED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AT THE TIME OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PETER PAN BMW (1625 ADRIAN RD, BURLINGAME, CA 94010 650) 204-7600) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE BLOWER MOTOR NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED INDEPENDENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 18, 2017CA

RECALL

Air Bags
Filed Nov 13, 2017CA

TAKATA INFLATORS. I DELIVERED THE RECALL NOTICE TO COAST BMW, THE ORIGINAL SELLING DEALER OVER A YEAR AGO. I WAS TOLD I WOULD RECEIVE A CALL WHEN THEY WOULD RECEIVE PARTS FOR MY RECALL EXCHANGE. I NEVER WAS CONTACTED. DATE STATED BELOW IS AN APPROXIMATION.

Air Bags
Filed Sep 12, 2017WA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIRS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE DEALER (BMW SEATTLE, 1002 AIRPORT WAY S, SEATTLE, WA 98134 (206) 829-5004) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 18, 2017CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (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. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags
Filed Aug 9, 2017MA

"TAKATA RECALL" BMW DOES NOT APPEAR TO TAKE THIS RECALL SERIOUS. I CALLED # ON HUGH GLOSSY POSTCARD, SPENT OVER 10 MIN --- NO HUMAN. CALLED NATIONAL # THEY SAID THEY COULD FORWARD ME TO LOCAL # (BACK WHERE I STARTED.) GOT RETURN CALL TOLD HER I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT. OH NOW THEY ONLY HA APPOINTS TIL 1:30. THIS BMW LOCATION DOES NOT CARE ABOUT "URGENT RECALL NOTICE" TALKED TO A GUY (HIGHER UP) . WHEN I INSISTED I NEEDED 4 PM APPOINT HE HUNG UP!

Air Bags
Filed May 16, 2017FL

AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON WHEN DRIVING, AND SOMETIMES IT DOES NOT. I HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP JACKSONVILLE FL MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET THE RECALL FIXED SINCE THE RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL. THEY ALWAY SAY THEY DON'T HAVE THE PART AND CANNOT DO IT. THEY WILL TRY TO ORDER IT AND IF IT COMES IN THEY WILL CONTACT ME. I NEVER HEAR BACK FROM THEM.

Suspension
Filed Apr 10, 201789,000 milesIL

THE REAR COIL SPRINGS HAVE BROKEN THREE (3) TIMES. THE CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW IN 2001. THE SPRINGS FAILED AT 52000 MILES IN 2008, AT 77000 MILES IN 2013 AND AT 89000 MILES IN 2017. THE BOTTOM COILS FRACTURED AND RUSTING IN THE AREA WAS EVIDENT. I HAVE BOTH BROKEN SPRINGS FROM THE LATEST INCIDENT. BMW REFUSES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE COST TO REPAIR. BMW COST IS $1100. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.

Air Bags
Filed Nov 10, 2016CA

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20 of 162 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2006
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20121000Routine
20111300Routine
20100300Routine
20090300Routine
20081310Routine
20071300Routine
20065157210Do not drive
200571520Do not drive
20041475110Do not drive
20031998110Do not drive
2002 — this page1627191Do not drive
2001151781Do not drive
20001200Do not drive
19990100Routine
199531200Routine
199417310Routine
199321300Routine
199240410Routine
19914000Routine
19905000Routine

Compare every 325i year →

Reading this record

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.