NHTSA vehicle safety data

2001 BMW 325CI Recalls & Complaints

The 2001 BMW 325CI has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 49 owner complaints on file as of November 3, 2026. Recall repairs are usually free at an authorized BMW dealer.

NHTSA recall and complaint data for the 2001 BMW 325CI. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2001 BMW 325CI owner complaints

Owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA about the 2001 BMW 325CI, describing incidents dated May 9, 2001 to December 29, 2019.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 13 complaints
Engine 8 complaints
Power Train 5 complaints
Structure 5 complaints
Electrical System 4 complaints
Exterior Lighting 4 complaints

Of the 49 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 6 a fire; across all 49 complaints, owners report 5 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11302982 · Filed January 30, 2020
FAULTY DMTL NOW NEEDS A THIRD COMPONENT AT 49,000. MILES. JUST REPLACED DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS IN TRUNK THAT CAUSED SOME LIGHTS TO FAIL AND BURNT UP A RELAY FAULTY DESIGN. TRANSMISSION CABLE GETS STUCK WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF DRIVE & N. NEEDS CABLE RE ALIGNED OR REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN…
ODI #11292255 · Filed December 31, 2019
FUEL TANK STRAP BRACKETS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AT THE WELD POINTS. FUEL TANK HANGING OFF BOTTOM OF CAR
ODI #11206992 · Filed May 11, 2019
TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A CARD IN THE MAIL FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INFORMING ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG FOR MY 2003 BMW X5. WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN AMARILLO TEXAS, AUTOPLEX BMW, WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER KENDRA THAT WE ARE WELCOME TO BUY NEW CARS FROM THEM BUT…

Read all 49 complaints

Air Bag Inflator May Explode or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #21V401000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 27, 2021 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 4,511 vehicles

Repair completion: 50.83% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 12, 2021

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2000-2001 BMW 3 Series (323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci and 330Ci), 1999-2001 323i, 328i, 330i, 330xi, and 2000 323i, 328i stationwagon vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These vehicles are equipped with driver-side air bag inflators that were previously inspected, but not replaced under recall numbers 19V-851, 19V852, or 19V-853. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflator may absorb moisture, causing the inflator to explode or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Safety consequence

The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting 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.

Manufacturer remedy

Dealers will replace the driver-side air bag inflator with a newly designed inflator, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Passenger Frontal Air Bag Inflators May Explode

NHTSA #20V018000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Passenger Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported January 15, 2020 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 292,948 vehicles

Repair completion: 42.41% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified February 13, 2020 · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Recall group: Takata airbag inflators

DO NOT DRIVE — this recall carries a "do not drive" advisory. Contact a BMW dealer immediately.

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #19V853000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported November 26, 2019 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 74,185 vehicles

Repair completion: 12.09% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified November 10, 2020 · Vehicles built May 20, 1999 – June 2, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

MASTER CYLINDER LEAK

NHTSA #07E023000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic — Foundation Components — Master Cylinder · NHTSA notice

Reported March 29, 2007 · CARDONE INDUSTRIES, INC.

Potentially affected: 13,128 vehicles

Owners notified April 2, 2007

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

LOSS OF BRAKE FLUID CAN RESULT IN POOR BRAKING PERFORMANCE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A VEHICLE CRASH.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

THIS RECALL ONLY PERTAINS TO AFTERMARKET CARDONE MASTER CYLINDERS AND HAS NO RELATION TO ANY ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT INSTALLED ON THE VEHICLES LISTED ABOVE.CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #02V138000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported May 16, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 1,550 vehicles

Defect description

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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/ENGINE AUXILIARY/COOLING FAN

NHTSA #01V206000 · Engine and Engine Cooling — Cooling System — Fan · NHTSA notice

Reported June 21, 2001 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 76,469 vehicles

Owners notified September 28, 2001 · Vehicles built February 1, 2001 – May 14, 2001 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

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.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer 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.

Notes

ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2001 BMW 325CI. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

49 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2001 BMW 325CI.

Electrical System; Air Bags; Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #11302982

Fire

Incident: August 2, 2002 · Filed: January 30, 2020

FAULTY DMTL NOW NEEDS A THIRD COMPONENT AT 49,000. MILES. JUST REPLACED DEFECTIVE WIRING HARNESS IN TRUNK THAT CAUSED SOME LIGHTS TO FAIL AND BURNT UP A RELAY FAULTY DESIGN. TRANSMISSION CABLE GETS STUCK WHEN SHIFTING OUT OF DRIVE & N. NEEDS CABLE RE ALIGNED OR REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME IN 49,000. MILES VERY DANGEROUS. DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR HAS FAILED .AGAIN. SOME HAPPEN WHILE DRIVING OTHERS AFFECT PASSENGERS SAFTEY.

Structure

ODI #11292255

Incident: December 29, 2019 · Filed: December 31, 2019

FUEL TANK STRAP BRACKETS COMPLETELY BROKEN OFF AT THE WELD POINTS. FUEL TANK HANGING OFF BOTTOM OF CAR

Air Bags

ODI #11206992

Incident: May 8, 2019 · Filed: May 11, 2019

TAKATA RECALL. I RECEIVED A CARD IN THE MAIL FROM BMW OF NORTH AMERICA INFORMING ME THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE AIRBAG FOR MY 2003 BMW X5. WHEN WE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN AMARILLO TEXAS, AUTOPLEX BMW, WE WERE TOLD BY THE SERVICE MANAGER KENDRA THAT WE ARE WELCOME TO BUY NEW CARS FROM THEM BUT THEY WILL NO LONGER HONOR WARRANTY OR RECALL. WORK FOR ANYONE WITH THE LAST NAME (XXXX) OR WHO IS RELATED TO OR AFFILIATED WITH DR. (XXXXX). IS THERE ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE WITH THIS MATTER?3 THE RECALL STATES THAT THE INFLATOR COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH IF UN RESOLVED, DOES THE BMW DEALER HAVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PERFORM THE RECALL, JEPRODIZING MY SAFETY FOR WHATEVER PERSONAL VENDETTA THEY HAVE AGAINST DR. (XXXX), MY SON? (XXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Air Bags

ODI #11053128

Incident: March 13, 2017 · Filed: January 8, 2018

2001 BMW 325 CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND HIT THE CONSUMER IN THE HEAD CAUSING BRAIN INJURY AND EYE IRRITATION. PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT THE CONSUMER PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE THE AIR BAG REPLACED DUE TO THE PARTS NOT BEING AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL. THE PASSENGER SIDE WAS REPLACED. THE DRIVER'S SIDE WAS DEEMED TO BE A SAFE AIRBAG. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REFUNDED THE COST OF REPLACING THE AIRBAG. *JS

Air Bags

ODI #11019627

Incident: August 24, 2017 · Filed: August 25, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325CI. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR BAG MODULE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V047000 (AIR BAGS). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 180,000.

Suspension; Air Bags

ODI #11018981

Crash Fire 2 injuries

Incident: December 4, 2016 · Filed: August 22, 2017

I [XXX] AND [XXX] WERE ON A LOCAL BACK ROAD IN OUR TOWN WHEN MY REAR FRAME MEMBER ON THE DRIVER SIDE HAD SNAPPED AND PULLED US INTO THE ONCOMING SIDE OF THE ROAD INTO A LARGE DITCH WHERE WE TOOK OUT A FENCE POST AND CLIPPED A FIBER OPTICS LINE INDICATOR POST THEN INTO A COLBERT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY ON MY FRONT WINDOW POST NOR ON MY DOOR THE FRONT DRIVER STEERING WHEEL AND PASSENGER DASH BOARD AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY UNTIL AFTER I [XXX] HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND AFTER PASSENGER [XXX] HIT THE DASH BOARD. AFTER DEPLOYMENT THE AIRBAG MODULE STARTED SPARKING THEN CAUGHT ON FIRE WE BOTH PUT OUT THE FIRE BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE THEN PATIENTLY WAITED FOR THE LOCAL MCCOMB MS POLICE TO ARRIVE THEN WE CALLED THE LOCAL WRECKER SERVICE TO PULL OUR BMW FROM THE DITCH THEN HAD IT HAULED TO THE LOCAL WRECKER YARD FOR PICKUP AT A LATER DAY FOR A FEE FOR STORAGE AND INITIAL TOW. I DO NOT KNOW IF THE REAR FRAME WAS DUE TO A MANUFACTURING FLAW OR DUE TO A PRIOR OWNER BUT THAT WAS WHAT CAUSED THE ACCIDENT. THE AIRBAGS ON THE OTHER HAND DID NOT DEPLOY AT THE PROPER TIME CAUSING US TO BECOME SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT NOT HOSPITALIZED BUT MOST DEFIANTLY DAZED AND CONFUSED FOR THE MOST PART....I ALSO HAVE MORE PICTURES OF THE ACCIDENT REPORT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Air Bags

ODI #11004644

Incident: January 15, 2017 · Filed: July 11, 2017

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2001 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS). 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 CONTACT SPOKE TO CERRITOS AUTO SQUARE (18827 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703 AND SHELLY BMW 6750 AUTO CENTER DR, BUENA PARK, CA 90621) WHO STATED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE AND THEY WOULD CALL BACK THEN THEY BECAME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SPOKE TO SHELLY BMW AND CERRITOS AUTO SQUARE ABOUT THE FAILURE, BUT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Unknown or Other

ODI #10947877

Incident: January 26, 2017 · Filed: January 26, 2017

PASSENGER SIDE GAS STRAP COME OFF RANDOMLY FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR.

Electrical System

ODI #10920310

Incident: October 30, 2016 · Filed: October 31, 2016

GM5 MODULE WHICH CONTROLS DOOR LOCKS AND WINDOWS. INTERMITTENT FAILURE PREVENTS UNLOCKING DOOR LOCKS OR OPERATING WINDOWS.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC)

ODI #10845771

Incident: March 1, 2016 · Filed: March 9, 2016

DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE LEFT FRONT BRAKE GRABBED HARD. THE CAR VEERED INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE BEFORE THE STABILITY CONTROL FAILED (TRACTION CONTROL AND BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON) AND I WAS ABLE TO RECOVER. I TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR AND IT IMMEDIATELY DID IT AGAIN AS SOON AS I WAS MOVING. TO TEST, I DROVE AROUND FOR 2 DAYS WITH THE STABILITY CONTROL TURNED OFF (LONG PRESS ON DSC BUTTON) WITH NO ISSUES. I THEN LEFT THE STABILITY CONTROL ON AND THE ISSUE OCCURRED WITHIN 5 MILES OF CAREFUL DRIVING. MY DIAGNOSIS IS THE YAW SENSOR HAS FAILED. THIS IS SUPPORTED BY OTHER COMPLAINTS ON THIS SITE AND SIMILAR OCCURRENCES LISTED IN THE BMW FORUMS.

Other BMW 325CI model years

Check your 2001 BMW 325CI VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 325CI at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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