NHTSA vehicle safety data

2004 BMW 325CI Recalls & Complaints

The 2004 BMW 325CI has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 68 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 2004 BMW 325CI. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2004 BMW 325CI owner complaints

Owners have filed 68 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 BMW 325CI, describing incidents dated November 20, 2003 to April 21, 2025.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 41 complaints
Power Train 9 complaints
Electrical System 5 complaints
Exterior Lighting 5 complaints
Seats 3 complaints
Engine 2 complaints

Of the 68 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 2 a fire; across all 68 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11655866 · Filed April 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear turn signal light failed to function…
ODI #11418962 · Filed May 29, 2021
The TAKATA airbags were replaced April 8, 2021, by Reeds Import, Tampa FL. Please save a tree and stop sending recall notices. Thank you. Mark
ODI #11398889 · Filed March 3, 2021
AFTER RECALLED AIR BAGS REPLACED, ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER NEW AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND DIAGNOSED AS PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR MAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. JUST RANDOMLY THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I SEE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN BMWS AND THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR OTHER MODELS…

Read all 68 complaints

NHTSA defect investigations

NHTSA's investigations file lists the 2004 BMW 325CI in 3 investigations. A listed model year means only that an investigation names it; it says nothing about any particular vehicle. An open investigation is not a finding that a safety defect exists, and NHTSA can close one without a recall.

Engineering Analysis EA15-001: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Open since February 24, 2015
- Recall 14V-668
- Recall 15V-284
- Recall 15V-285
- Recall 15V-286
- Recall 15V-287
- Recall 15V-312
- and 188 more on the investigation page
Preliminary Evaluation PE14-016: Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Closed March 2, 2015
- Recall 13V-172
- Recall 14V-428
- Recall 14V-700
- Recall 14V-763
- Recall 14V-770
- Recall 14V-787
- and 3 more on the investigation page
Defect Petition DP04-001: DELAYED TRANSMISSION ENGAGEMENT
Closed May 27, 2004

Open and recently closed NHTSA defect investigations

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.

Driver Frontal Air Bag Inflator May Rupture

NHTSA #15V318000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

Reported May 28, 2015 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 419,235 vehicles

Repair completion: 33.39% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified August 19, 2016 · 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 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, and 2003 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity Vehicles. Please note that the 5-series and X5 vehicles are only included if they are equipped with the optional sports steering wheel. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the vehicle has been remedied. BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front driver air bag module, free of charge. The recall began Aug 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-348 in its entirety. Additionally, vehicles that have had their driver side frontal air bag replaced previously as part of a recall remedy need to have their air bag replaced under this recall as well. Note: On December 17, 2015 BMW removed the model year 2004 X5 3.0i and 4.4i Sports Activity vehicle from this recall. Those vehicles were mistakenly identified as including the air bags that are subject to this recall.

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.

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2004 BMW 325CI. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

68 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2004 BMW 325CI.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11655866

Incident: April 21, 2025 · Filed: April 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2004 BMW 325 CI. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver's side rear turn signal light became inoperable while attempting to make a turn. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the rear turn signal light failed to function properly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the rear tail lamp functions had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11418962

Incident: April 8, 2021 · Filed: May 29, 2021

The TAKATA airbags were replaced April 8, 2021, by Reeds Import, Tampa FL. Please save a tree and stop sending recall notices. Thank you. Mark

Air Bags; Seats

ODI #11398889

Incident: March 1, 2021 · Filed: March 3, 2021

AFTER RECALLED AIR BAGS REPLACED, ABOUT 6 MONTHS LATER NEW AIR BAG SENSOR LIGHT CAME ON AND DIAGNOSED AS PASSENGER SEAT AIR BAG SENSOR MAT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. JUST RANDOMLY THE LIGHT CAME ON AND STAYED ON. I SEE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM IN BMWS AND THERE WAS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR OTHER MODELS. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL AS IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS BAGS WILL NOT DEPLOY.

Exterior Lighting

ODI #11352949

Incident: September 3, 2020 · Filed: September 3, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 BMW 325CI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND A STOP, HE NOTICED THAT HIS RIGHT TURN SIGNAL HAD FLASHED ERRATICALLY UPON ACTIVATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THERE WAS A RECALL ON HIS VEHICLE UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V438000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING). THE CONTACT CALLED CHAPMAN BMW CHANDLER (7455 W ORCHID LN, CHANDLER, AZ 85226) WHERE HE MADE AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL. THE DEALER CALLED BACK AND INFORMED HIM THAT HIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND CONFIRMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER THEN REFERRED HIM TO NHTSA FOR ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11349406

Incident: March 17, 2020 · Filed: August 13, 2020

2004 BMW 325CI. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS

Air Bags

ODI #11326536

Incident: May 8, 2020 · Filed: May 29, 2020

I CALLED MY DEALER LAST YEAR TO SCHEDULE TO FIX MY RECALL ON MY CAR. UNFORTUNATELY I DID NOT WENT TO MY APPOINTMENT. NOW ONE OF THE BAGS EXPLODED, AND I CALLED THE DELEGAR AGAIN TO DO MY RECALL, BUT TO MY SURPRISE THE HAVE MY CAR IN RECORDS AS REPAIR!! AND I TOLD THE THAT NEVER HAPPENED. THEY PROMISED TO CHECK AND CALL ME BACK AND HAS NOT HAPPENED EITHER. THIS IS THE BMW SAN ANTONIO TEXAS DELEGAR. I BELIEVE THIS IS FRAUD! I WANT TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE AND I WANT TO MAKE SURE THEY DON'T GO AWAY WITH IT. I DON'T HAVE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO UPLOAD ABOUT IT BECAUSE IT DOESN'T EXIST. NEVERTHELESS I DO HAVE A PICTURE THAT SHOWS THE AIRBAG THAT EXPLODED IS FROM 2003, AS THE REST OF THEM. I FEEL SO ANGRY AND DISAPPOINTED. MY NAME IS [XXX], OWNER OF THE 2004 BMW 325CI INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR

Electrical System; Exterior Lighting

ODI #10970029

Incident: May 3, 2012 · Filed: April 2, 2017

HEADLIGHT WIRING INSULATION ON STANDARD BMW HEADLIGHTS IS BRITTLE AND FALLING OFF EXPOSING BARE COPPER WIRES WITHIN THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY. IN ORDER TO PROTECT THE HEADLIGHTS I HAVE HAD TO WRAP THE WIRES IN ELECTRICAL TAPE AND SHRINK WRAPPING. THIS ISSUE HAS EXISTED FOR SEVERAL YEARS.

Air Bags

ODI #10956924

Incident: December 1, 2003 · Filed: February 25, 2017

TAKATA RECALL

Air Bags

ODI #10956921

Incident: December 1, 2003 · Filed: February 25, 2017

TAKATA RECALL FIRST THE PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG WAS RECALLED, AFTER WAITING OVER ONE YEAR, IT WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED. NOW THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG HAS BEEN RECALLED. WE RESPONDED IMMEDIATELY. WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR OVER TWO YEARS! NO CONTACT, NO REPLACEMENT. WE CONTINUE TO LIVE IN PERIL OF THE LETHAL DEPLOYMENT OF THE DEFECTIVE AIRBAG AND BMW JUST SAYS WAIT?

Air Bags

ODI #10947519

Incident: January 25, 2017 · Filed: January 25, 2017

TAKATA RECALL. THE DEALER (BRAMAN BMW) ITS UNABLE TO PROVIDE AN ESTIMATE TIME TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS

Other BMW 325CI model years

Check your 2004 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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