NHTSA vehicle safety data

2000 BMW 328I Recalls & Complaints

The 2000 BMW 328I has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns and 112 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 2000 BMW 328I. Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.

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2000 BMW 328I owner complaints

Owners have filed 112 complaints with NHTSA about the 2000 BMW 328I, describing incidents dated September 1, 1999 to March 16, 2021.

Most-cited components

Air Bags 35 complaints
Structure 30 complaints
Power Train 27 complaints
Suspension 11 complaints
Engine 7 complaints
Electrical System 5 complaints

Of the 112 complaints on file, 6 report a crash and 2 a fire; across all 112 complaints, owners report 7 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).

Newest complaints

ODI #11422080 · Filed June 24, 2021
May of 2019 my driver door airbag, driver side front to rear pillar airbag bursted open while driving 30mph on a flat smooth road. Took to BMW dealer and they informed me that there was a recall and they'd look into it. Days later picked up my car and they said they went off from aftermarket items…
ODI #11403437 · Filed March 17, 2021
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE EARLY MORNING STILL DARK ON A STATE ROAD AND RAINING VERY HARD COULD NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE I HIT A POT HOLE. THAT'S WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYED ON THE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEADLINER AND A PILLAR POST. UNKNOWN WHY IT WENT OFF. I KNOW…
ODI #11342683 · Filed August 1, 2020
SAFETY RECALL ON BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES (MODEL YEAR 1999-2001) FOR DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR (NADI) . SINCE FEBRUARY 18,2020 I'VE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE BMW AGENT DEALER / CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN CONCORD CA TO PERFORM THE REMEDY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE WITH NO RESULTS ( IT'S ALWAYS THE SAME REASON…

Read all 112 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 – July 14, 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.

Air Bag Inflators May Rupture or Underinflate Bag

NHTSA #19V852000 · Air Bags — Frontal — Driver Side — Inflator Module · NHTSA notice

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

Potentially affected: 34,396 vehicles

Repair completion: 8.01% (latest rate the manufacturer reported to NHTSA; dataset updated November 3, 2026)

Owners notified July 27, 2020 · Vehicles built March 17, 1998 – March 3, 2000 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 1999-2000 323i and 328i and 2000 323Ci and 328Ci vehicles equipped with Non-Azide Driver air bag Inflators (NADI) manufactured by Takata. These inflators do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, causing the inflators to rupture or the air bag cushion to underinflate.

Safety consequence

Manufacturer remedy

BMW will mail interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Dealers will inspect the driver air bag inflators and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. BMW mailed interim notices informing owners of the safety risk on January 17, 2020. The recall began July 27, 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.

BMW/SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM

NHTSA #02V223000 · Air Bags — Side/Window · NHTSA notice

Reported August 9, 2002 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 20,500 vehicles

Manufacturer campaign E46 · Owners notified October 25, 2002 · Vehicles built April 8, 1999 – August 31, 1999 (per NHTSA) · Recall influenced by NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation

Defect description

ON CERTAIN 4-DOOR PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE SIDE AIR BAG SYSTEM COULD DEPLOY IN CERTAIN NON-CRASH IMPACTS, SUCH AS WHEN CONTACTING LARGE POTHOLES OR CURBS AT SUBSTANTIAL SPEEDS.

Safety consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HEAD PROTECTION SYSTEM TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH OR IMPACT SEVERE ENOUGH TO CAUSE SIGNIFICANT VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UNEXPECTED DEPLOYMENT OF THE SIDE AIR BAG COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY IF THE OCCUPANT'S HEAD IS RESTING NEAR THE SIDE AIR BAG.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL RECALIBRATE THE CENTRAL AIR BAG CONTROL MODULE TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH A NON-CRASH DEPLOYMENT. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN OCTOBER 25, 2002. 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, CUSTOMERS CAN CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

BMW/BRAKE LAMPS

NHTSA #00V048000 · Exterior Lighting — Brake Lights — Switch · NHTSA notice

Reported February 17, 2000 · BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE

Potentially affected: 17,700 vehicles

Owners notified May 15, 2000 · Vehicles built September 11, 1999 – October 28, 1999 (per NHTSA)

Defect description

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER VEHICLES. THE BRAKE LAMPS IN THESE VEHICLES ARE CONTROLLED BY A SWITCH ACTIVATED BY THE MOVEMENT OF THE BRAKE PEDAL. THIS SWITCH COULD FAIL INTERNALLY, CAUSING IT TO REMAIN EITHER IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS OFF" POSITION OR IN THE "BRAKE LAMPS ON" POSITION.

Safety consequence

IF THIS HAPPENS, THE BRAKE LAMPS EITHER WILL NOT OPERATE OR WILL BE CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED, REGARDLESS OF BRAKE PEDAL POSITION.

Manufacturer remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, REPLACE THE EXISTING BRAKE LAMP SWITCH WITH AN IMPROVED SWITCH.

Notes

OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 15, 2000.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.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 2000 BMW 328I. NHTSA rates some vehicles by body style — pickups by cab, vans by roof height — so check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

112 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2000 BMW 328I.

Air Bags

ODI #11422080

1 injury

Incident: May 27, 2019 · Filed: June 24, 2021

May of 2019 my driver door airbag, driver side front to rear pillar airbag bursted open while driving 30mph on a flat smooth road. Took to BMW dealer and they informed me that there was a recall and they'd look into it. Days later picked up my car and they said they went off from aftermarket items on my car. Which is absurdly inaccurate. I'm an auto mechanic of 10 years and nothing I've done to my car has any effect on the airbag or safety systems of my car period. They were extremely rude, didn't want to fix the over $5000 of damage that was done to my interior. Treated me like I was some idiot. And didn't offer me a loaner vehicle for the 3 days they had my car either like they guarantee they do in the event of recalls.

Air Bags

ODI #11403437

Incident: March 16, 2021 · Filed: March 17, 2021

I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN THE EARLY MORNING STILL DARK ON A STATE ROAD AND RAINING VERY HARD COULD NOT SEE OUT THE WINDSHIELD. I BELIEVE I HIT A POT HOLE. THAT'S WHEN THE SIDE CURTAIN DEPLOYED ON THE RIGHT SIDE CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE HEADLINER AND A PILLAR POST. UNKNOWN WHY IT WENT OFF. I KNOW THERE'S A RECALL FOR THE FRONT AIRBAGS AND SOME FORUMS STATED THIS HAS HAPPENED TO THEM AS WELL. I INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND I COULD NOT SEE ANY OTHER DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11342683

Incident: February 18, 2020 · Filed: August 1, 2020

SAFETY RECALL ON BMW 3-SERIES VEHICLES (MODEL YEAR 1999-2001) FOR DRIVER'S AIR BAG INFLATOR (NADI) . SINCE FEBRUARY 18,2020 I'VE BEEN TRYING TO HAVE BMW AGENT DEALER / CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICES IN CONCORD CA TO PERFORM THE REMEDY CONCERNING THIS ISSUE WITH NO RESULTS ( IT'S ALWAYS THE SAME REASON : SPARE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE)

Air Bags

ODI #11330817

Incident: January 6, 2020 · Filed: June 25, 2020

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAG) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO TULLEY BMW OF NASHUA (147 DANIEL WEBSTER HWY, NASHUA, NH 03060; 603-888-5050) WHERE IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART 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. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Air Bags

ODI #11324137

Incident: November 1, 2019 · Filed: May 11, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED, THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIM THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE LINKED TO A RECALL. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. BMW OF ROCHESTER HILLS (45550 DEQUINDRE RD, SHELBY CHARTER TWP, MI 48317) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Engine

ODI #11318718

Fire

Incident: June 11, 2019 · Filed: March 19, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, WHITE SMOKE EMITTED FROM THE VENTS WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DRIVER SIDE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE ELECTRONIC ENGINE POWER CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE RADIATOR FLUID NEEDED FREQUENT TOP OFFS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 96,000.

Air Bags

ODI #11303049

Incident: January 30, 2020 · Filed: January 30, 2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V853000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Structure

ODI #11162050

Incident: September 17, 2018 · Filed: December 17, 2018

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 BMW 328I. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMING APART. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY BMW OF DECATUR (1606 CHURCH ST, DECATUR, GA 30033, (404) 994-4329) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A NEW SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE INSTALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.

Structure

ODI #11128381

Incident: April 4, 2017 · Filed: September 10, 2018

WHILE DRIVING ON THE ON THE FREEWAY I FELT AND HEARD A POPPING OR CLUNCK NOISE WHILE SHIFTING LIKE SOMETHING WAS GOING TO FALL OFF AND IT BECAME HARD TO CONTROL AND STEER SO I TOOK MY 2000 328I BMW INTO A PROFESSIONAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THE PROBLEM IS THE SUBFRAME IS SEPARATING FROM THE BODY OF THE CAR, I WAS ALSO TOLD THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. I LOOKED UP ONLINE AND THIS EXACT SAME THING IS HAPPENING TO OTHER MODELS OF THE BMW , I DONT DRIVE MY CAR HARD AND IT IS WELL MAINTAINED AND I BELIEVE BMW SHOULD RECALL THIS FACTORY ERROR AND PAY FOR IT

Air Bags; Structure; Engine

ODI #11064300

Crash Fire 2 injuries

Incident: November 24, 2017 · Filed: January 22, 2018

"TAKATA RECALL" I WAS HIT BY A DRIVER GOING APPROX 100MPH ON HIGHWAY 50E FROM BEHIND AND AFTER BEING SEVERALLY HIT MY TEKATA AIRBAG DAMAGED MY CHEST, HURT MY FACE, BURNED MY CLOTHES, ARMS, AND MADE IT IMPOSSIBLE TO BREATHE. THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED IF BMW HAD MORE AVAILABILITY TO INFORM, REPLACE AND FIX SUCH A HORRIFIC EVENT.

Other BMW 328I model years

Check your 2000 BMW 328I VIN

Not every recall applies to every VIN in a given year. Enter the 17-character VIN from your BMW 328I at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your specific vehicle has an unrepaired recall.

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