repaired · 2023 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
2000 BMW 3 SeriesProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 88 owner complaints about the 2000 BMW 3 Series, most often about the power train. It is covered by 1 safety recall, and for recall 21V-401 the manufacturer reports only 42% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 27, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2000 BMW 3 Series has problems
88 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
35Power train
30Structure
11Air bags5 crash/fire/injury
8Engine and engine cooling1 crash/fire/injury
4Visibility
4Electrical system
4Suspension
2Exterior lighting
2Fuel system, gasoline
88 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 35 | 0 |
| Structure | 30 | 0 |
| Air bags | 11 | 5 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 1 |
| Visibility | 4 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 4 | 1 |
| Suspension | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel system, gasoline | 2 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 8 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
1 recall
2000 BMW 3 Series recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.
Mileage at failure
When do power train problems start?
100kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 34 power train complaints. 50% were reported before 100,000 miles.
0under 30k miles17under 100k miles17100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2000 vs. every other 3 Series year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the 3 Series median. How we score
'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'23
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2000 BMW 3 Series, and the recalls they led to.
- INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAG DEPLOYMELed to recall 02V-223
- INADVERTENT SIDE-IMPACT AIR BAGNo recall
In owners' words
What 3 Series owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I WAS PREPARING TO BACK OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE ACTED AS THOUGH IT WAS IN "NEUTRAL" AND DID NOT MAKE ANY NOISE OR MOTION. THE REVERSE NEVER SHOWED ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR ON A LIMITED BASIS OVER THE PAST FOUR MONTHS. A SHORT TIME PRIOR TO THIS, I BEGAN TO NOTICE A…
GREAT CAR UNTIL PARKED AT GROCERY STORE AND CAR WOULD NOT BACK UP WHEN PUT IN REVERSE. ONLY 75000 MILES. BMW DEALER WANTED $6000 TO REPLACE WITH FACTORY REBUILT TRANSMISSION. CONTACTED BMW CUSTOMER SERVICE AND THEY REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN REPAIR. OFFERED TO CONTACT DEALER AND ASK FOR 10%…
THE CAR TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO IN REVERSE. THE ISSUE HAPPENS SUDDENLY WITH NO WARNING, AND ACTS EXACTLY AS IF YOU WERE IN NEUTRAL GEAR. THERE IS A DEDICATED SITE CALLED HTTP://WWW.NOREVERSE.ORG THAT DOCUMENTS THOUSANDS OF CASES FROM BMW OWNERS THAT HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. BMW NORTH AMERICA HAS…
Own a 2000 3 Series?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.