NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Electrical System complaints
18 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Oct 4, 2021
Electrical SystemExterior LightingSteering
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 recalle…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11435461
Mileage unknown · May 4, 2018
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
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 SCO…
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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
NHTSA ODI #11091675
180,125 miles · Mar 21, 2016
Electrical System
ALL 3 PASSENGER DOORS LOCK AND INTERMITTENTLY CAN NOT BE UNLOCKED. THIS HAS TO DO WITH A FAULTY GM5 MODULE.
NHTSA ODI #10850810
190,000 miles · May 23, 2015
Electrical SystemExterior LightingService Brakes
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 WA…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10721126
Mileage unknown · Apr 2, 2015
Electrical System
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 IS…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10703392
69,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Electrical SystemLatches/locks/linkages
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 CA…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10618011
160,000 miles · Jun 19, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
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
NHTSA ODI #10520794
100,000 miles · Feb 11, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
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
NHTSA ODI #10497777
Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2013
Electrical SystemExterior Lighting
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
NHTSA ODI #10491570
Mileage unknown · Apr 13, 2012
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingSeats
PURCHASED THE CAR USED, IN JANUARY 2011, WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STORED ENGINE CODES, PO0300,171,174,1345,1351,1353; MOSTLY RELATING TO OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE MAF. ALL ENGINE HOSES, THE MAF, ALL 4 OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE IGNITION COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF N…
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PURCHASED THE CAR USED, IN JANUARY 2011, WITH APPROXIMATELY 110,000 MILES. VEHICLE HAD SEVERAL STORED ENGINE CODES, PO0300,171,174,1345,1351,1353; MOSTLY RELATING TO OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE MAF. ALL ENGINE HOSES, THE MAF, ALL 4 OXYGEN SENSORS AND THE IGNITION COIL PACKS WERE REPLACED BY A CERTIFIED MECHANIC. WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF NORMAL DRIVING, ALL CODES HAD RETURNED. MECHANIC IS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE POINTS OF FAILURE FOR THESE ISSUES AND BMW DENIES ANY EXISTING PROBLEM THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG LIGHT, TURNS ON AND OFF, RANDOMLY, WHETHER SOMEONE IS SITTING THERE, OR NOT. FAILURE OF THE SENSOR COULD CAUSE THE AB NOT TO DEPLOY DURING AN ACCIDENT, CAUSING SERIOUS, IF NOT FATAL, INJURY. BMW IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE, DOES NOT REPLACE/REPAIR. DOOR LOCK/WINDOW/WINDSHIELD WIPER CONTROL MODULE, KNOWN AS GM5, FAILS RANDOMLY AND OFTEN. IT HAS FAILED SEVERAL TIMES, WHILE I WAS IN THE CAR. SINCE IT DISABLES THE DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS, I WAS TRAPPED IN MY CAR FOR SEVERAL MINUTES. THANKFULLY, I HAD THE WINDOW ROLLED DOWN FAR ENOUGH TO PASS MY KEYS TO SOMEONE ON THE OUTSIDE, SO THEY COULD UNLOCK THE DOOR. IN AN ACCIDENT, PASSENGERS COULD BE STUCK, KEEPING EMERGENCY WORKERS FROM GIVING THEM MEDICAL ATTENTION, IN A TIMELY FASHION. BMW IS FULLY AWARE OF THE PROBLEM, BUT DENIES IT'S EXISTENCE. I ALSO RECEIVE RANDOM EXTERIOR LIGHT OUT WARNINGS, ON THE DASH. USUALLY, IT'S BOTH TAILLIGHTS, BUT MORE FREQUENTLY, IT IS THE DRIVER SIDE LIGHT SENSOR, THAT FAILS, THOUGH THE LIGHT IS ACTUALLY WORKING, JUST FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10455224
Official recalls
6Jan 15, 2020
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 26, 2019
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jun 11, 2018
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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 CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com.
May 16, 2002
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Jun 21, 2001
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Nov 20, 2000
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗