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.
1999 BMW 323iProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 136 owner complaints about the 1999 BMW 323i, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 7 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-852 the manufacturer reports only 6% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 27, 2021. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 1999 BMW 323i has problems
136 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
45Air bags7 crash/fire/injury
33Power train1 crash/fire/injury
14Structure2 crash/fire/injury
10Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
9Tires
9Suspension
8Latches/locks/linkages
6Visibility
5Service brakes, hydraulic
219 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 45 | 7 |
| Power train | 33 | 1 |
| Structure | 14 | 2 |
| Electrical system | 10 | 3 |
| Tires | 9 | 2 |
| Suspension | 9 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 8 | 1 |
| Visibility | 6 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 5 | 1 |
| 9 other systems | 21 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
7 recalls
1999 BMW 323i 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.
repaired · 2022 Q1
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
repaired · 2022 Q2
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
repaired · 2022 Q3
Driver side: inflator module
Risk. In the event of a crash necessitating air bag deployment, an inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.
Show 3 more recalls
no report yet
Air bags: side/window
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Service brakes, hydraulic: pedals and linkages
Risk. IF THIS OCCURS, BRAKING IS NOT POSSIBLE.
no report yet
Air bags: side/window
Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE THE SIDE AIR BAG AND HPS TO DEPLOY WITHOUT AN ACTUAL SIDE CRASH.
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.
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Power train
8 owners mentioned a cost$4,250median
Middle half: $2,875 – $4,700
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
1999 vs. every other 323i 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 323i median. How we score
'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 323i owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SANDIA BMW LOCATED AT 6001 PAN AMERICAN FWY, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87109, WHERE IT WAS…
I RECEIVED A SAFETY RECALL NOTICE - REMEDY UNAVAILABLE FROM BMW. THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT HAS BEEN ACTIVATED ON THE DASHBOARD SINCE DECEMBER 19, 2019. THE NOTICE READ THAT "IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE THAT THE AIRBAG HOUSING MAY EXPLODE AND COULD CAUSE METAL FRAGMENTS TO PASS THROUGH THE AIR BAG CUSHION…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 BMW 323I. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V852000 (AIR BAGS) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR.…
Own a 1999 323i?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.