Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
60–25K
1025–50K
1250–75K
1075–100K
24100–150K
19150K+
81 reports with mileage · 70 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Air Bags. Review the 46 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Exterior Lighting. Review the 23 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
7 crash reports8 fire reports17 injury reports
What owners actually said
151 reports
Mileage unknown · Dec 1, 2015
Air Bags
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 ISS…
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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
NHTSA ODI #10807720
Mileage unknown · Nov 13, 2015
Air Bags
"TAKATA RECALL".
NHTSA ODI #10790193
Mileage unknown · Sep 8, 2015
Air Bags
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 CONT…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #10762244
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2015
Air Bags
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 I…
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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 PLATE.
NHTSA ODI #10735231
130,866 miles · Jun 9, 2015
Power Train
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.
NHTSA ODI #10724432
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 · May 15, 2015
Engine
OIL LEAK AT THE VALVE COVER POTENTIALLY CAUSED BY BOLTS BEING OVER-TORQUED AS ASSEMBLY.
NHTSA ODI #10716747
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
Mileage unknown · Mar 9, 2015
Air Bags
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
NHTSA ODI #10692473
Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2015
Air Bags
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 ISS…
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2001 BMW 325I Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year