BMW 325XI · model year

2004 BMW 325XI

72 NHTSA complaints, 13 crash reports, and 4 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2004BMW325XI carries 72 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 13 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries, 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 2004 325XI is air bags with 29 filings, followed by exterior lighting (7) and power train:automatic transmission (5). 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 4 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 2004 325XI. 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.

72
Complaints
13
Crashes
2
Fires
12
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

72 filings

Crashes Reported

13 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 BAGS29
EXTERIOR LIGHTING7
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION5
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM4
ENGINE4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
POWER TRAIN2
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS1
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL1
TIRES1

Recalls (4)

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,

11V43800026/08/2011

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

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 VEHICL

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

14V42800011/06/2018

AIR BAGS

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; 2001-200

Recent Complaints

20240620STRUCTURE:BODY

Window rolled down, but never went back up. Happened on multiple windows of my vehicle. Has been a common problem among these cars, caused me to fail inspection.

20210713AIR BAGS

The contact’s girlfriend owns a 2004 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V018000 (Air Bags). The contact’s girlfriend took the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair. After the vehicle was repaired and the vehicle was retrieved, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The driver took the vehicle back to the local dealer for the warning light. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the battery cable needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

20210713ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact’s girlfriend owns a 2004 BMW 325XI. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 20V018000 (Air Bags). The contact’s girlfriend took the vehicle to the local dealer for the recall repair. After the vehicle was repaired and the vehicle was retrieved, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The driver took the vehicle back to the local dealer for the warning light. The mechanic inspected the vehicle and informed the contact that the battery cable needed to be replaced. The contact was concerned that the failure was related to the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.

Mileage: 89,000

20210602CrashAIR BAGS

The contact owned a 2004 BMW 325XI. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle was struck by another vehicle on the passenger’s side causing the passenger’s side mirror to detach from the vehicle. The contact loss control of the vehicle and crashed into the median. The vehicle rolled and then came to a complete stop. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. Additionally, the dashboard collapsed and the rear-view mirror detached from the windshield. The vehicle was towed from the scene of the crash. The contact received injuries to the chest, ribs, neck, and breast for which medical assistance was sought. A police report was filed. The contact stated that the driver's frontal air bag was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V318000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Mileage: 100,000

20190803AIR BAGS

OK. THIS CAR WAS BROUGHT IN ON 2/12/19 TO THE BMW DEALER IN APPLETON, WI. AFTER THAT BMW HAS CALLED ME 3 TIMES CLAIMING HE WASN'T FIXED. THEY WERE GOING TO CALL THE DEALER. NOW I HAVE REC'D A LETTER FROM THE DMV STATING IT WASN'T FIXED. I FAXED THE INVOICE DATES 2/12/19 TO BMW TODAY. I GIVE UP. THE CONTACT IS PETE KEMPEN 1-877-983-7473. SOMEONE NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT WHAT IS WRONG.

20190404ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE RECALLS ON MY 2004 BMW 325XI 4DR SEDAN. THERE WERE 2 RECALLS THAT ARE RELATED TO AIR BAGS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS ARE #15V318000 AND #14V428000. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION THAT THESE RECALLS ARE VALID SO I CAN GET THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS. PLEASE SEE THE SUPPORTING DOCS ATTACHED. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN HAVING WEIRD ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAPPENING TO THE POINT THE CAR WONT SHUT OFF AT TIMES, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AFTER A DAY, TURN SIGNAL GOES OUT, CAR DIES, STEREO WONT WORK ETC. I WAS WONDERING IF OTHER RECALLS WERE PLACED ON THIS CAR AS WELL?

20190404AIR BAGS

NHTSA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE RECALLS ON MY 2004 BMW 325XI 4DR SEDAN. THERE WERE 2 RECALLS THAT ARE RELATED TO AIR BAGS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS ARE #15V318000 AND #14V428000. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION THAT THESE RECALLS ARE VALID SO I CAN GET THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS. PLEASE SEE THE SUPPORTING DOCS ATTACHED. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN HAVING WEIRD ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAPPENING TO THE POINT THE CAR WONT SHUT OFF AT TIMES, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AFTER A DAY, TURN SIGNAL GOES OUT, CAR DIES, STEREO WONT WORK ETC. I WAS WONDERING IF OTHER RECALLS WERE PLACED ON THIS CAR AS WELL?

20190404ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

NHTSA DOES NOT RECOGNIZE THE RECALLS ON MY 2004 BMW 325XI 4DR SEDAN. THERE WERE 2 RECALLS THAT ARE RELATED TO AIR BAGS. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS ARE #15V318000 AND #14V428000. I WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE OFFICIAL CONFIRMATION THAT THESE RECALLS ARE VALID SO I CAN GET THE MANUFACTURER TO FIX THIS. PLEASE SEE THE SUPPORTING DOCS ATTACHED. ALSO, I HAVE BEEN HAVING WEIRD ELECTRICAL ISSUES HAPPENING TO THE POINT THE CAR WONT SHUT OFF AT TIMES, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT AFTER A DAY, TURN SIGNAL GOES OUT, CAR DIES, STEREO WONT WORK ETC. I WAS WONDERING IF OTHER RECALLS WERE PLACED ON THIS CAR AS WELL?

20180124AIR BAGS

MY VEHICLE HAS A RECALL ON THE AIR BAGS

20170819CrashAIR BAGS

MY DAUGHTER GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT FENDER AND BUMPER HIT THE SIDE SECTION OF ANOTHER CAR GOING APPROX 20 MPH ON A CITY STREET AND THE AIR BAGS NEVER DEPLOYED. LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT.

Mileage: 130,000

20170814AIR BAGS

THREE RECALLS. FRONT DRIVERS AIR BAG, FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG, BOTH REAR QUARTER PANEL LAMPS CARRIER CONNECTOR WIRES HEATED AND MELTED. CONTACTED BMW OF KINGSPORT SEVERAL TIMES FOR ASSISTANCE. SAID WOULD HELP BUT HAS NOT. NEED SCHEMATIC OF REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND REPAIR OF AIRBAGS.

Mileage: 95,000

20170814EXTERIOR LIGHTING

THREE RECALLS. FRONT DRIVERS AIR BAG, FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG, BOTH REAR QUARTER PANEL LAMPS CARRIER CONNECTOR WIRES HEATED AND MELTED. CONTACTED BMW OF KINGSPORT SEVERAL TIMES FOR ASSISTANCE. SAID WOULD HELP BUT HAS NOT. NEED SCHEMATIC OF REAR TAILLIGHT ASSEMBLIES AND REPAIR OF AIRBAGS.

Mileage: 95,000

20161004AIR BAGS

"TAKATA RECALL" I RECEIVED NOTICE OF THE RECALL BY MAIL ON 8/24/16 STATING THAT I NEEDED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS REPLACED. I THEN PROCEEDED TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ON AUGUST 29TH WITH GLOBAL IMPORTS BMW LOCATED AT 500 INTERSTATE N PKWY, ATLANTA, GA 30339. THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT IN STOCK AND WOULD NEED TO BE ORDERED. HOWEVER THE RECALL NOTICE DID STATE THAT THE PARTS WERE IN STOCK AND READY TO BE INSTALLED. I WAITED 2 WEEKS AND NEVER RECEIVED A FOLLOW UP PHONE CALL ON THE STATUS OF THE AIR BAGS. I THEN CALLED GLOBAL BMW AGAIN, AND THEY HAD NO RECORD OF ME CALLING, AND CLAIMED THAT THEY NEEDED TO ORDER THE AIRBAGS. THIS SAME EXACT ISSUE RE-OCCURRED ON MY FOLLOW UP PHONE CALLS ON SEPTEMBER 12TH AND 23RD. THEN FINALLY ON OCTOBER 3RD I PLACED ANOTHER FOLLOW UP PHONE CALL WHERE ONCE AGAIN THEY DID NOT HAVE MY INFORMATION, BUT DID HAVE A DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG IN STOCK. THE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE INFORMED ME THAT SHE WOULD BE CHECKI

20160830AIR BAGS

TAKATA RECALL - RECALL ANNOUNCED MAY 2015. BMW NA CLAIMS REPLACEMENT PARTS STILL NOT AVAILABLE. BMW NA CLAIMS NEXT COMMUNICATION TO AFFECTED OWNERS WILL BE IN JANUARY 2017. IS BMW NA COMPLYING WITH THE TIMELINE FOR COMPLETING THIS RECALL?

20160824AIR BAGS

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) AND 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 MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

20160824CrashAIR BAGS

BMW JOINTLY OWNED VEHICLE, WAS NOT RETURNED TO CUSTOMERS ON DEMAND, NOR SWAPPED AS IS CUSTOMARY BUSINESS PRACTICE (I.E. BMW REPAIR/RECALLED FOR BMW LOANER CAR), AND HELD FOR UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. BMW RECALLED THE VEHICLE, IN PART, DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS, AND WAS TO SEND A CONSENT FORM TO THE CUSTOMERS PRIOR TO ORDERING PARTS/REPAIRS. THE CUSTOMERS NEVER RECEIVED THE CONSENT FORM AS ASSURED AND EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE BMW WHO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION OR DISABLED STATE. JULY 15, 2016 BMW FLATBED DELIVERED WITH UNIDENTIFIED CHEMICALS/TOXINS THAT RESULTED IN FRONT END PHYSICAL DAMAGES AND/OR TOXINS IN BMW THAT RESULTED IN "POISON EXPOSURE", TOXOLOGY TESTS PENDING. THE TOXINS MAYBE AIRBAG CHEMICALS, SODIUM AZIDE, HYDRAZOIC ACID, OR OTHERS, AND NEED BMW TESTED. PLEASE INFORM ON WHO SPECIFICALLY PERFORMS THESE TESTS OR AGENCY THAT DOES QUICKLY DUE TO THE TOXIC NATURE. BMW HAD A DUTY TO DISCLOSE THESE FACTS TO CUSTOMERS, INSURANCE, GOVERNMENT, AND OTHERS. 49 USC SAFETY

20160824CrashENGINE

BMW JOINTLY OWNED VEHICLE, WAS NOT RETURNED TO CUSTOMERS ON DEMAND, NOR SWAPPED AS IS CUSTOMARY BUSINESS PRACTICE (I.E. BMW REPAIR/RECALLED FOR BMW LOANER CAR), AND HELD FOR UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. BMW RECALLED THE VEHICLE, IN PART, DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS, AND WAS TO SEND A CONSENT FORM TO THE CUSTOMERS PRIOR TO ORDERING PARTS/REPAIRS. THE CUSTOMERS NEVER RECEIVED THE CONSENT FORM AS ASSURED AND EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE BMW WHO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION OR DISABLED STATE. JULY 15, 2016 BMW FLATBED DELIVERED WITH UNIDENTIFIED CHEMICALS/TOXINS THAT RESULTED IN FRONT END PHYSICAL DAMAGES AND/OR TOXINS IN BMW THAT RESULTED IN "POISON EXPOSURE", TOXOLOGY TESTS PENDING. THE TOXINS MAYBE AIRBAG CHEMICALS, SODIUM AZIDE, HYDRAZOIC ACID, OR OTHERS, AND NEED BMW TESTED. PLEASE INFORM ON WHO SPECIFICALLY PERFORMS THESE TESTS OR AGENCY THAT DOES QUICKLY DUE TO THE TOXIC NATURE. BMW HAD A DUTY TO DISCLOSE THESE FACTS TO CUSTOMERS, INSURANCE, GOVERNMENT, AND OTHERS. 49 USC SAFETY

20160824CrashUNKNOWN OR OTHER

BMW JOINTLY OWNED VEHICLE, WAS NOT RETURNED TO CUSTOMERS ON DEMAND, NOR SWAPPED AS IS CUSTOMARY BUSINESS PRACTICE (I.E. BMW REPAIR/RECALLED FOR BMW LOANER CAR), AND HELD FOR UNREASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. BMW RECALLED THE VEHICLE, IN PART, DEFECTIVE AIRBAGS, AND WAS TO SEND A CONSENT FORM TO THE CUSTOMERS PRIOR TO ORDERING PARTS/REPAIRS. THE CUSTOMERS NEVER RECEIVED THE CONSENT FORM AS ASSURED AND EXPRESSED CONCERNS ABOUT THE BMW WHO DAMAGED THE VEHICLE IN THEIR POSSESSION OR DISABLED STATE. JULY 15, 2016 BMW FLATBED DELIVERED WITH UNIDENTIFIED CHEMICALS/TOXINS THAT RESULTED IN FRONT END PHYSICAL DAMAGES AND/OR TOXINS IN BMW THAT RESULTED IN "POISON EXPOSURE", TOXOLOGY TESTS PENDING. THE TOXINS MAYBE AIRBAG CHEMICALS, SODIUM AZIDE, HYDRAZOIC ACID, OR OTHERS, AND NEED BMW TESTED. PLEASE INFORM ON WHO SPECIFICALLY PERFORMS THESE TESTS OR AGENCY THAT DOES QUICKLY DUE TO THE TOXIC NATURE. BMW HAD A DUTY TO DISCLOSE THESE FACTS TO CUSTOMERS, INSURANCE, GOVERNMENT, AND OTHERS. 49 USC SAFETY

20160726CrashAIR BAGS

BMW 325XI 2004, AFTER SUBSTANTIAL OR UNREASONABLE DELAY IN THE BMW RETURN, WAS PERCEIVED TO BE RENDERED UNSAFE/UNSATISFACTORY/INCOMPLETE, WITH AIRBAG DEFECTS/SPILLOVER EFFECTS, OR RELEASED WITH KNOWN DEFECTS TO THE VEHICLE THAT PUT THE DRIVER AND UNSUSPECTING OCCUPANTS AT RISK OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY UP TO DEATH. BMW WAS TO SEND A 'CONSENT FORM', THEN VEHICLE OWNER WAS TO REVIEW/SIGN/RETURN, BMW WOULD THEN ORDER 'INTERIM AIRBAG' PARTS, AND REPAIR. THE CONSENT FORM WAS NOT RECEIVED OR SIGNED, JUNE 2016, BMW ENTER/REPAIR WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, OR SIGNED CONSENT FORMS, AND MADE UNKNOWN CHANGES TO THE AIRBAG/SYSTEMS. THE TOXINS REMAIN HAS CORRODED IT OR RELEASED TOXINS/ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A 'CEASE & DESIST' AIRBAG REPAIR PENDING THE RECEIPT AND EXECUTION OF THE CONSENT FORM AS AGREED. BMW FAILED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS PER QUOTE AND AIRBAG [I.E. EXPLOSIVE DEVICE; SODIUM AZIDE AZIUM; SHRAPNEL, ETC.] WAS LEFT IN AN UNSAFE STATE. THE VEHICLE NEEDS AN INSPECTION BY NHTSA, AS IT IS BELIEVED T

20160726CrashSTRUCTURE:BODY

BMW 325XI 2004, AFTER SUBSTANTIAL OR UNREASONABLE DELAY IN THE BMW RETURN, WAS PERCEIVED TO BE RENDERED UNSAFE/UNSATISFACTORY/INCOMPLETE, WITH AIRBAG DEFECTS/SPILLOVER EFFECTS, OR RELEASED WITH KNOWN DEFECTS TO THE VEHICLE THAT PUT THE DRIVER AND UNSUSPECTING OCCUPANTS AT RISK OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY UP TO DEATH. BMW WAS TO SEND A 'CONSENT FORM', THEN VEHICLE OWNER WAS TO REVIEW/SIGN/RETURN, BMW WOULD THEN ORDER 'INTERIM AIRBAG' PARTS, AND REPAIR. THE CONSENT FORM WAS NOT RECEIVED OR SIGNED, JUNE 2016, BMW ENTER/REPAIR WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION, OR SIGNED CONSENT FORMS, AND MADE UNKNOWN CHANGES TO THE AIRBAG/SYSTEMS. THE TOXINS REMAIN HAS CORRODED IT OR RELEASED TOXINS/ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ON A 'CEASE & DESIST' AIRBAG REPAIR PENDING THE RECEIPT AND EXECUTION OF THE CONSENT FORM AS AGREED. BMW FAILED TO MAKE THE REPAIRS PER QUOTE AND AIRBAG [I.E. EXPLOSIVE DEVICE; SODIUM AZIDE AZIUM; SHRAPNEL, ETC.] WAS LEFT IN AN UNSAFE STATE. THE VEHICLE NEEDS AN INSPECTION BY NHTSA, AS IT IS BELIEVED T

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NHTSA Investigations

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2004 BMW 325XI have?
The 2004 BMW 325XI has 72 NHTSA complaints, 13 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2004 BMW 325XI?
Yes, the 2004 BMW 325XI has 4 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 2004 BMW 325XI?
The most-complained component for the 2004 BMW 325XI is AIR BAGS with 29 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include EXTERIOR LIGHTING and POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION.
Is the 2004 BMW 325XI 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.