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2001 BMW 325itProblems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 4 owner complaints about the 2001 BMW 325it, most often about the suspension. It is covered by 4 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 recalls4Lowest repair rate 9%Owner complaints40 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage33kSuspension, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through January 15, 2020. Updated daily.

Complaints by system

Where the 2001 BMW 325it has problems

4 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
Suspension30
Air bags10
Fuel system, gasoline10
Steering10

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

4 recalls

2001 BMW 325it 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 · 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 325it 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 325it median. How we score

'00'01'02'03'04'05
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
In owners' words

What 325it owners report

Recent suspension complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

BOTH REAR SPRINGS FAILED, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT, AT LESS THAN 50,000 MILES WITH NO EXCESSIVE DRIVING. MY MECHANIC MENTIONED THAT THE PROBLEM SEEMS ENDEMIC TO THE E46 BMW 3 SERIES. SHOULD THE REAR SUSPENSION HAVE BECOME UNLOADED ON A BUMP, ETC. A SERIOUS ACCIDENT COULD HAVE RESULTED. IF THIS PROBLEM…
Complaint 10160639 · Jun 23, 2006 · 48,000 miles
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS I COULD FEEL THE FRONT END BECOME UNSTABLE AND VIBRATE ESPECIALLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR CHANGING FROM ASPHALT TO CONCRETE.MY LOCAL MECHANIC SAID THE LOWER LEFT CONTROL ARM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND HE CALLED BMW FOR INFORMATION AND THEY IMMEDIATELY KNEW OF THE PROBLEM. HE…
Complaint 10153093 · Mar 18, 2006 · 33,000 miles
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A LEAK WAS OBSERVED IN THE GAS TANK. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER EIGHT MORE TIMES. THE DEALER AGREED TO CONTINUE…
Complaint 10150193 · Feb 13, 2006 · 29,223 miles

Own a 2001 325it?

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