BMW 325CI · model year

2002 BMW 325CI

31 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 3 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2002BMW325CI carries 31 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 1 fire, 1 injury, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2002 325CI is air bags with 22 filings, followed by electrical system (2) and suspension:rear (1). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 3 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 34 investigation files overlapping the 2002 325CI. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

31
Complaints
1
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

31 filings

Crashes Reported

1 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

At or below the fleet median complaint volume.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
AIR BAGS22
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM2
SUSPENSION:REAR1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS1
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
ENGINE1
STRUCTURE:BODY1
SEAT BELTS1

Recalls (3)

15V31800028/05/2015

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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,

20V01800015/01/2020

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 PS

13V17200002/05/2013

AIR BAGS

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 causin

Recent Complaints

20260130AIR BAGS

I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but on my way home the dash light returned and faults were present after taking to 2 independent specialists. I returned to the dealer and spoke to service manager who said they would review and let me know their findings. They never responded and left me with a car that is now unsafe to drive. I believe this is the result of poor workmanship in addressing an NHTSA recall and has turned a potential safety concern into a real one. I have contacted BMW USA about this as well.

20220427AIR BAGS

2002 BMW 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REMAINING EXPENSES.THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED.

20200212SEAT BELTS

WHEN PUTTING ON SEATBELT ON BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE THE SEATBELT WILL GO IN AND MOMENTS LATER DURING DRIVING IT WILL UNCLIQUE AND COME OFF THIS HAPPENS EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE NOT ALL THE TIME. JUST HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STATIONARY MOSTLY WHILE THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY. YOU CAN HEAR IT CLICK AND SOMETIMES I EVEN PULL IT TO MAKE SURE IT IS CLICKED IN BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND SOMETIMES AFTER I DO THAT IT WILL UNCLICK, IT HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE DRIVER SIDE BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE NOT KNOW IF THIS HAPPENS IN THE REAR SEAT BELTS.

Mileage: 199,000

20180917CrashAIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A HEAD ON COLLISION. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE DRIVER OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE SUSTAINED BRUISES, BUT DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE DRIVER OF THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.

Mileage: 115,000

20170713AIR BAGS

JUST TOOK MY 2002 BMW IN TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS. BMW STERLING, VA WANTED $1611.05 TO REPLACE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT/SID. DID NOT PAY THEM... THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED INTO IMMEDIATELY... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF. THEY REPLACED THE AIRBAGS AND YOU HAVE A LIGHT ON - SO ARE THEY FUNCTIONAL OR NOT... THEY ARE RIPPING PEOPLE OFF... [XXX] [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB

Mileage: 145,314

20170208AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 13V172000 (AIR BAGS) AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20161102AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. 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.

20161018AIR BAGS

I GOT THIS RECALL LAST YEAR...I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP HERE IN CLEAR LAKE HOUSTON, AND I WAS TOLD THEY DON'T MAKE THE AIRBAGS FOR THIS RECALL... AND HE SAID CALL BACK ......WELL I HAVE FOR 2 YEARS NOT! THEN I GOT A NEW LETTER SAYING THAT THEY WHERE IN STOCK AND MAKE AN APPOINTMENT SO I CALLLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN.........AND AGAIN I WAS TOLD THEY DON'T MAKE THESE PARTS......IM SORRY BUT THIS DOESN'T MAKE ME FEEL VERY SAFE. I GUESS I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY THEY DON'T MAKE THESE PARTS..ITS SUPPOSE TO PROTECT ME

20160908AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. 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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20160817AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. 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 RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20160722AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL HELLO, I'M AT MY BMW SERVICE CENTER NOW (BMW OF FAIRFAX) TO HAVE SERVICE DONE ON MY CAR. I RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF THE TAKATA AIR BAG RECALL AND NOTIFIED THE SERVICE CENTER AS TO WHEN I CAN GET MY AIR BAGS FIXED. THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME A DEFINITIVE TIME LINE. I WENT TO THE SERVICE CENTER TODAY TO HAVE REGULAR SERVICE DONE ON MY CAR AND AGAIN THEY COULD NOT GIVE ME AN EXACT TIME LINE. THEY SAID, "MAYBE A YEAR BUT WE'RE NOT SURE." I ALSO ASKED IF BMW IS STILL OFFERING THEIR CAR RENTAL PROGRAM UNTIL THE ISSUE IS RESOLVED BUT THE SERVICE CENTER SAID BMW IS NO LONGER OFFERING THIS. I'M CONCERNED THAT THE SERVICE CENTER DOES NOT WANT TO PERFORM THE WORK AS I'M SURE THIS IS AT A MAJOR COST TO THEM.

Mileage: 90,000

20160412AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PART NEEDED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THERE WAS NO REMEDY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE...UPDATED 05/09/16 *BF

20160302AIR BAGS

RECEIVED RECALL ON AIRBAGS IN 2015 CALLED DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE THEM. BOTH OF THEM NEED REPLACED THIS IS NOT SAFE...HOW CAN YOU NOT HAVE THESE.

20160108AIR BAGS

I WAS NOTIFIED OF RECALL CAMPAIGN NO: 15V-318 IN JULY 2015. DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG NEEDS TO BE REPLACED DUE TO POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF INFLATED ON IMPACT. I HAVE CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP. INSKIP BMW ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE REPLACEMENT PART. IF IT IS THIS DANGEROUS, WHY IS IT TAKING SO LONG?

20151019AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS)WAS RECEIVED IN MAY OF 2015. AFTER CONTACTING THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS NEEDED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WERE STILL NOT AVAILABLE AND NO ESTIMATED TIME FOR RECEIVING THE PARTS COULD BE GIVEN. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

20150729AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

20150529AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND STATED THAT THE PART NEEDED WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO SCHEDULE THE RECALL REPAIR WITHIN A REASONABLE TIMEFRAME. THE DEALER FAILED TO PROVIDE A SPECIFIC DATE FOR WHEN THE PART WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. UPDATED 7/21/15*CN UPDATED 9/23/15 *JS

20150227AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2002 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V172000 (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. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

20150204AIR BAGS

DRIVING TO WORK THIS MORNING, THE PASSENGER AIRBAG ABOVE THE DOOR ERUPTED. MY VEHICLE WAS NOT HIT BY ANYTHING. I HAVE NO DAMAGE TO THE OUTSIDE AT ALL. I NEED TO KNOW HOW THIS AIRBAG RECALL AFFECTS ME, BECAUSE IT TALKS ABOUT IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH...AND I WASN'T IN A WRECK OF ANY SORT. *TR

Mileage: 116,300

20141223AIR BAGS

MESSAGE: HI, THERE WAS A SAFETY RECALL ON AIR BAGS. WE OWN A 2002 BMW AND OUR VEHICLE IS ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS RECALL. WE CONTACTED OUR LOCAL BMW DEALER (NIELLO BMW AT SACRAMENTO, CA) SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY SAID THEY DON'T HAVE THE PARTS TO REPLACE. HOW LONG DO WE HAVE TO WAIT ? THANK YOU [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Compare 2002BMW325CI to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2002 BMW 325CI have?
The 2002 BMW 325CI has 31 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2002 BMW 325CI?
Yes, the 2002 BMW 325CI has 3 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2002 BMW 325CI?
The most-complained component for the 2002 BMW 325CI is AIR BAGS with 22 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and SUSPENSION:REAR.
Is the 2002 BMW 325CI safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.