repaired · 2021 Q2
Passenger side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
2002 BMW 325ciProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 30 owner complaints about the 2002 BMW 325ci, most often about the air bags. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 15V-318 the manufacturer reports only 32% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through August 18, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2002 BMW 325ci has problems
30 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
23Air bags1 crash/fire/injury
3Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Structure
1Suspension
1Exterior lighting
1Engine
1Seat belts
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Air bags | 23 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 1 |
| Structure | 2 | 0 |
| Suspension | 1 | 0 |
| Exterior lighting | 1 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2002 BMW 325ci 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 · 2017 Q4
Driver side: inflator module
Do not driveRisk. 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…
no report yet
Air bags
Do not driveRisk. 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…
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
2002 vs. every other 325ci 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 325ci median. How we score
'00'01'02'03'04'05'06
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
In owners' words
What 325ci owners report
Recent air bags complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2002 BMW 325CI. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 15V318000 (Air Bags) and 13V172000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the recall repairs were completed. The vehicle was retrieved from the dealer. The contact stated that upon…
I brought my 325ci into BMW Buena Park to have an airbag recall completed. There were no issues prior to dropping the car off at dealership but when the car was returned the airbag system light was on and was filled with error codes. I returned the car to the dealer and they cleared the codes but…
2002 BMW 325 I. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER STATED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT REMAINED ILLUMINATED AFTER THE RECALL REPAIR WAS COMPLETED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER STATED THE CONSUMER WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY REMAINING EXPENSES.THE VEHICLE'S WARRANTY HAS…
Own a 2002 325ci?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.