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2001 BMW 323iProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW 323i, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 19V-853 the manufacturer reports only 9% of affected cars repaired.

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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 9%Owner complaints33 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage106kPower train, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through May 27, 2021. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 BMW 323i has problems

3 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Power train21
Electrical system11

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2001 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.

42%repaired · 2023 Q2

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 21V-401 · May 27, 2021 · 4,511 vehicles · 1,882 repaired

Risk. The inflator could explode during air bag deployment, resulting in metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

42%repaired · 2021 Q2

Passenger side: inflator module

Do not drive

Recall 20V-018 · Jan 15, 2020 · 292,948 vehicles · 123,637 repaired

Risk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

9%repaired · 2022 Q3

Driver side: inflator module

Recall 19V-853 · Nov 26, 2019 · 74,185 vehicles · 6,905 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

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.

Best & worst years

2001 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 power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

FOR NO REASON THE REVERSE WENT OUT ON MY 2001 BMW 323I. I TOOK IT INTO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I NEEDED A NEW TRANSMISSION BECAUSE OF AN ELECTRICAL GLITCH THAT IS OCCURRING IN THOUSANDS OF BMW'S FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN THE STEPTRONIC TRANSMISSION THAT BMW PUT IN THE CARS IN…
Complaint 10265139 · Apr 13, 2009 · 112,000 miles
2001 BMW 323I DOES NOT GO INTO REVERSE WHEN PLACED INTO REVERSE GEAR. IT HAPPENED SUDDENLY WITHOUT ANY TYPE OF WARNING OR NOISE. NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO CORRECT IT, SINCE IT WILL COST ME 40% OF THE CARS CURRENT VALUE TO REPAIR THE CAR. *TR
Complaint 10235328 · Jul 22, 2008 · 100,000 miles

Own a 2001 323i?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.