NHTSA vehicle safety data

2003 BMW 325XI Recalls & Complaints

The 2003 BMW 325XI has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 31 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 2003 BMW 325XI. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2003 BMW 325XI owner complaints

Owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA about the 2003 BMW 325XI, describing incidents dated October 1, 2008 to August 6, 2026.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 14 complaints
Exterior Lighting 5 complaints
Engine 4 complaints
Fuel/Propulsion System 3 complaints
Electrical System 2 complaints
Latches/Locks/Linkages 2 complaints

Of the 31 complaints on file, 1 reports a crash and 2 a fire; across all 31 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11756445 · Filed August 12, 2026
fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW
ODI #11074079 · Filed February 21, 2018
DRIVERS DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, OR WITH REMOTE. OTHER THREE DOORS DO.
ODI #11064287 · Filed January 22, 2018
THANK YOU VERY MUCH JO WHAT I DID TAKE CARE OF THE AIRBAG OR

Read all 31 complaints

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.

Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #14V428000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported June 11, 2018 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 574,007 vehicles

Repair completion: 29.07% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified December 1, 2014 · 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 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.

Safety 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.

Manufacturer 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 [email protected].

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.This is an expansion of NHTSA Recall 13V-172.

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.

Passenger Side Air Bag Inflator may Rupture

NHTSA #13V172000 · Air Bags · NHTSA notice

Reported May 2, 2013 · BMW of North America, LLC

Potentially affected: 43,204 vehicles

Owners notified August 9, 2013 · Vehicles built January 1, 2002 – December 31, 2002 (per NHTSA) · 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 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 causing the inflator to rupture upon deployment of the air bag.

Safety consequence

In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking and potentially seriously injuring the passenger seat occupant or other occupants.

Manufacturer remedy

Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they have been repaired. BMW intends to issue initial notifications to owners informing them of the safety defect in June 2013. Once replacement parts are available, estimated for July, BMW will notify owners again to contact their dealers and schedule a replacement of the passenger air bag, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or email BMW at [email protected].

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.

REAR LAMPS IN BODY PANEL

NHTSA #11V438000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights · NHTSA notice

Reported August 26, 2011 · BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Potentially affected: 241,000 vehicles

Owners notified February 15, 2012 · Vehicles built September 1, 2001 – March 1, 2005 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

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 VEHICLE'S BODY PANEL, TO STOP WORKING.

Safety consequence

INTERMITTENT LIGHT OPERATION REDUCES THE ABILITY TO WARN OTHER MOTORISTS OF THE DRIVER'S INTENTIONS. THIS COULD CAUSE A VEHICLE CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.

Manufacturer remedy

BMW WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 15, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW CUSTOMER RELATIONS AND SERVICES AT 1-800-525-7417.

Notes

OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .

try.vin has no NCAP crash-test rating on file for the 2003 BMW 325XI. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

31 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2003 BMW 325XI.

Fuel/Propulsion System

ODI #11756445

Incident: August 6, 2026 · Filed: August 12, 2026

fuel tank bracket rust off and will break and is a very expensive job to repair im not the only person to face this issue anyone with a BMW

Unknown or Other

ODI #11074079

Incident: February 21, 2018 · Filed: February 21, 2018

DRIVERS DOOR LOCK DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH KEY, OR WITH REMOTE. OTHER THREE DOORS DO.

Air Bags

ODI #11064287

Incident: January 20, 2018 · Filed: January 22, 2018

THANK YOU VERY MUCH JO WHAT I DID TAKE CARE OF THE AIRBAG OR

Air Bags

ODI #11054992

Incident: December 8, 2017 · Filed: December 15, 2017

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 14V428000 AND 15V318000 (AIR BAGS). THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. WEATHERFORD BMW OF BERKELEY (735 ASHBY AVE, BERKELEY, CA 94710) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11042250

Incident: May 1, 2015 · Filed: November 1, 2017

TAKATA RECALL TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 PONTIAC G6. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ROOF FAILED AND CAUSED WATER OT ENTER INTO THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CONCERNED THAT THE WATER WOULD DAMAGE THE CARPET, DASHBOARD, AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE CONTACT DID NOT TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGONOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000. CONSUMER PUT IN NEW ENGINE. NEW RUG IS MESSED UP NOW BECAUSE OF SUNROOF LEAKS. UPDATED 9/13/18*JB

Air Bags

ODI #11015693

Incident: August 8, 2017 · Filed: August 16, 2017

THIS RECALL ON THE AIRBAGS IN MY BMW IS AFFECTING HOW I GET TO WORK EVERYDAY, I DON'T DARE TO DRIVE MY CAR TO WORK SO I AM RELIYING ON OTHERS TO GET ME TO WORK AND I AM OFTEN LATE TO WORK BECAUSE OF THIS, WHICH IS GETTING ME IN TROUBLE AT MY JOB. I AM AT RISK OF LOSING MY JOB AT THIS POINT.

Air Bags

ODI #10916248

Incident: May 17, 2015 · Filed: October 15, 2016

I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE IN 2015 FOR REPLACEMENT OF DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG. AS OF THIS DATE 10/15/16 BMW HAS NOT YET NOTIFIED ME OF WHEN THEY WILL NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR TO DEALER TO HAVE DRIVE SIDE AIR BAG REPLACED. CALLS TO BMW IN IN JUNE 2016 SAID TO WAIT UNTIL JULY,CALLS IN JULY SAID TO WAIT UNTIL AUGUST, CALLS IN AUGUST SAID PERHAPS BY OCTOBER OR END OF 2016...CALLS TO THE BMW DEALER I USE VARY -ONE TIME THEY SAY MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO BRING THE CAR IN,NEXT CALL THEY SAY THAT THEY HAVE NO AIRBAGS...MY QUESTION(S) TO THE NHTSA IS "WILL BMW EVER REPLACE THE AIRBAG" AND IS DEPENDENT ON WHETHER I USE A BMW DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTAINING MY BMW.???... I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO NOTE THAT SOME COLLEAGUES WITH OTHER TYPES HAVE CARS HAVE BEEN NOT TO DRIVE THEIR CAR UNTIL THE AIR BAG IS REPLACED AND SOME DEALERS HAVE ACTUALLY PROVIDED A RENTAL CAR FOR THEM UNTIL AIR BAG IS REPLACED....ALSO MY WIFE HAS A 2013 ACURA RDX, AND WHILE I BELIEVE THAT YEAR WAS NOT AFFECTED BY THE AIRBAG RECALL, HER ACURA DEALERSHIP ACTUALLY REPLACED HER DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG AFTER JUST A FEW MONTH WAIT....I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR ALMOST 17 MONTHS FOR BMW RO NOTIFY ME THAT I CAN BRING MY CAR IN FOR AIR BAGS....AND I DO NOT QUITE UNDERSTAND WHY THE BMW DEALERSHIP KEEPS CHANGING THEIR STORY ON THE AVAILABILTIY OF REPLACEMENT AIR BAGS YOUR HELP AND ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER IS GREATLY APPRECIATED

Air Bags

ODI #10897670

Incident: July 31, 2015 · Filed: August 22, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V318000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR 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. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Air Bags

ODI #10888283

Incident: July 17, 2015 · Filed: July 25, 2016

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. 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.

Air Bags

ODI #10845528

Incident: March 8, 2016 · Filed: March 8, 2016

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 BMW 325XI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V428000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Other BMW 325XI model years

Check your 2003 BMW 325XI VIN

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

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